45 Years and Counting....

Today, May 2, 2012, marks the 45th anniversary of the Toronto Maple Leafs last Stanley Cup. Since that date, the Maple Leafs have failed to win Lord Stanley's Cup. That doesn't sit well with the organization or the giant fan base that surrounds the Canadian team at all times. In one of the most popular Canadian cities, they are the main sports focus. The media is always covering them and the fans are always watching them. With that, the question isn't even when the Maple Leafs will win the Cup again. It's much more simple....When will the Maple Leafs find a team that gets them to the postseason?

Since the NHL lockout season in 2004-2005, the Maple Leafs have failed to make the postseason all seven times. They have only hit the 40 wins mark twice in those seven years and they were the first two seasons after the lockout. The best divisional finish has been third in the Northeast while they haven't yet cracked the Eastern's top eight to end a season. This past season, the Maple Leafs held a playoff spot down most of the season. Down the stretch, they had some horrid goaltending issues and ended up missing the playoffs by a slew of points in the end.

What can the Maple Leafs do this upcoming offseason in an attempt to prevent another tailspin and jump into the top eight for their first time in eight years? It starts with the goaltending. James Reimer and Jonas Gustavsson (contract expires July 1) have both showed flashes of brilliance in the past. However, down the stretch, they both struggled and did not help the playoff cause. Brian Burke has a major decision to make. He can keep an eye on the two he has now by watching their progression through the summer or he can try and acquire a goaltender through trade and free agency. Reimer and Gustavsson are both young with some talent. Burke has to decide whether they are long term solutions for the team. If not, a player would have to be acquired and a name that will surround the Maple Leafs until he's moved somewhere will be Roberto Luongo. After the Canucks were eliminated from the playoffs, Luongo said if the team wanted to move him he would waive his no trade clause, doing whatever's best for his squad. Other possible options would include Josh Harding, Jonathon Bernier, Al Montoya, or Scott Clemmensen.

The Maple Leafs defense has some great upcoming names that have developed well in the NHL so far. Cody Franson, Jake Gardiner, Carl Gunnarsson, and and Luke Schenn are currently up with the Maple Leafs. They have developed nicely so far and should continue to fit well. Among them are shifty John-Michael Liles and Captian Dion Phaneuf who had very good seasons. Phaneuf, who had taken a media beating since being traded to the Leafs, had 12 goals and 44 points along with his physical style of play. Burke will probably look to add another veteran or two to the mix to help teach the kids and fill in any lineup gaps. It's too early to know who will make it to free agency but some very intriguing names may come up. Those include unrestricted free agents Ryan Suter, Dennis Wideman, and Hal Gill. 

The offense has been a major amount of work for the Maple Leafs the past few years but it is starting to sport some good names. Phil Kessel had an outstanding year and his new found center Tyler Bozak showed promise. Before a season ending injury, Joffrey Lupul was tearing it up with 67 points in 66 games after finally getting a shot to play on a top line. Nikolai Kulemin and Nazem Kadri are projects but the Leafs have expectations for them in the future. If healthy, Tim Connolly is always a producer. However, he is often injured suffering from all types of ailments including concussions. The Leafs may look to add some depth at center and one thing they don't have is a pure power forward. Burke, with all the moves he's known to make, will surely be on the market shopping for players. 

The Maple Leafs definitely have some light in their future. They need to add some key pieces in the offseason though if they expect to compete in the East. If I were Burke, I would go out and get a goaltender. That seems like the biggest problem as of right now. I don't think either Reimer and Gustavsson can do the job for a full season. Burke is known to pull some heavy duty trades so it will be interesting around draft day and into free agency to see if they pull the trigger on anything major. For now, it's still 45 years....