In case you missed it from under a rock, the Toronto Maple Leafs will pick first overall in the NHL draft for the first time since 1985. It’s expected they’ll select centre Auston Matthews with that pick, who fans hope will effectively fill the much-needed role of No. 1 centre which has been noticeably vacant since Mats Sundin left in 2008-09.
The Maple Leafs have made the playoffs just once since the 2004-05 lockout and haven’t won a series in the salary cap era. So being able to pick first overall has brought this immense optimism to the fan base that, finally, the dark cloud may be lifting.
You think they’re excited?
But just because the Leafs may be adding an eventual superstar at this year’s draft, it’s premature to expect a quick and immediate turnaround and a return to the Stanley Cup Playoffs.
“I don’t think we should be thinking of the playoffs or we should be thinking of anything else other than sticking to the process that is in place,” said Leafs GM Lou Lamoriello on Prime Time Sports with Bob McCown. “The end result takes care of itself, but if we have an opportunity during the summer to acquire a player, to trade for a player, to use some of our assets to get better that’s what we will do. But as far as having a focus on doing anything and everything, say, to get short-term success — absolutely not. We’re going to stick with what Brendan (Shanahan) has put in place. We’ve all made a commitment to that. Nothing’s going to change that.”
On Monday, the Leafs officially signed 24-year-old defenceman Nikita Zaitsev out of the KHL. Regarded as a strong skater who is offensively gifted, Zaitsev will add to a growing list of young defenders who will look to earn a key position on what’s expected to be a young Maple Leafs team in 2016-17.
“I think that this weekend has certainly helped that process, being able to pick the best player in the draft, being able to sign a free agent who in our minds will be able to come in and help this team. He’s 24 years old, the only reason he signed a one-year contract is he’s in the last year of his entry level. So we feel good about that. But these are just stepping stones. We don’t want anyone to get too excited. This is a process you have to go through. We’re not worrying about the end result right now. That will take care of itself.”
If the Leafs, as expected, do pick the Arizona-born Matthews first overall, there are now questions around whether or not they will, or should, try to sign pending UFA Steven Stamkos. Also a natural centre, Stamkos has spent time on the wing in Tampa Bay, but prefers to play down the middle. With a budding Matthews in the fold, if Stamkos came to Toronto he may have to move off to the wing at some point in the future anyway, so it’s a wonder if this would be a good fit.
But, while Lamoriello said the team’s focus remains on a long-term approach and sustainable success, he also admitted on Tim & Sid that, at some point, you do have to surround a group of young players with veterans to help them find their way.
“All young players you have to surround them and you have to give them every opportunity to succeed by providing them the support staff on the ice and off the ice. That’s something that is consistent with any young player.”
On Prime Time Sports, Lamoriello elaborated on that point:
“I don’t think you ever have enough role models,” he said. “How important is that? Absolutely. I think the culture you set for them you have to hold everybody accountable to it and that’s what the young players have to see is that the veterans that you have around them are just as accountable as they are and will be held accountable.”
Perhaps lost in the celebration over the No. 1 pick is the fact Toronto also has Pittsburgh’s first round pick, plus 10 other choices the rest of the draft. It’s clear the plan is to continue a gradual build up and surround those assets with a veteran presence.
After finishing last in the league with a 29-42-11 this season, Toronto should be expected to modestly improve next season. More than the win-loss record, fans are mostly excited to see the future on the NHL roster.
But as for expecting playoffs? “The Pain” isn’t over yet.
