Why Leaf Patience With Young D-men is so Crucial: Remembering Al Iafrate - Mike at VLM

Big Al (6 foot 3 as I recall, maybe 230 pounds) joined the Leafs as a high draft choice and was parachuted into the line-up when he was only 18—which, given his lack of time in junior hockey, was way too young at the time, at least in my view.  But desperation breeds rash decisions and the Leafs in those days were always looking for the "home run", a quick saviour, whether it was Gary Nylund (a very high first-round selection in 1982, I think it was, also rushed into the line-up and then seriously injured) or any number of other high-profile junior draft picks.

With so many young, skilled defensemen in the Leafs organization, Mike urges patience. Fortunately for us, JFJ Fletcher already buggered that up with Schenn. Thanks! Hopefully Burke takes an alternate course with Gardiner, Blacker, Aulie and the like.

More links after the jump.

Leafs Re-sign Joey Crabb

$750k at the NHL level, $105k in the AHL.

What Me Worry?

Garret Bauman at MLHS is worried about Schenn.

Controversial Phil Kessel Trade Coup for Maple Leafs

Richard Mak at Suite 101 looked up some old PPP articles and realizes Kessel is pretty darn good.

Calisthenics Are An Important Part of Any Pre-game Warmup

Vintage Leafs with some old timey photo goodness.

On Alter Egos and Entrance Music

Mine would be "Voodoo Child" by Jimmy Hendrix.

When a Day With the Stanley Cup Goes Bad

Horton's not the only player to have his day with the Cup go awry as DGB tells us.

Is Osgood Hall Worthy?

Mirtle continues the debate that's been raging since yesterday.

Some Name For Gabe re: Corsi

David Johnson questions Corsi ranking by Gabe Desjardins. NERD FIGHT!!!

30 Summer Thoughts

Elliott Friedman with his last 30 thoughts of the summer.

From The Branches