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.
$750k at the NHL level, $105k in the AHL.
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.
Mirtle continues the debate that's been raging since yesterday.
David Johnson questions Corsi ranking by Gabe Desjardins. NERD FIGHT!!!
Elliott Friedman with his last 30 thoughts of the summer.
