There is always next year. That is our mantra.

And so after what has been perhaps the greatest three round adventure in the playoffs since 1967, the Leafs are ready to set about rebuilding. Not that much needs to happen to tinker with the team.

For my money only Robert Reichel is the sure fire "see ya later" guy. He completely disappeared in the playoffs, leading me to wonder if there wasn't something else happening for him. It was reported that his wife wanted to return to Europe. At any rate, he played like a guy with other things on his mind.

Off season agenda items include signing Joseph, at Mats Sundin's salary. Domi is an unrestricted free agent this summer and is doing his own negotiating. Perhaps he will settle for less to stick around.

Rumours of players the leafs are interested in have already surfaced. This includes centre Bobby Holik, who would be a nice replacement for Reichel. Blueliners are a must have this off season as well.

But I think the real story for this team is going to be how the develop the farm talent. Based on the way folks like Pilar, Dempsey, McLean, Ponikarovsky and Healy played in the playoffs, it will be interesting to see who can crack the line up this year. Only dempsey is a question mark for long term survival, becasue he is a UFA this summer and he has said he wants to play or he wants out. I'd be sorry to lose him. He's a gutsy player.

So the year begins, two days after the old year ended.

Posted 9:18 AM by Chris |