NHL Franchise Boys

There is a real emptiness when Montreal Canadiens and the Toronto Maple Leafs play each other these days. Remember the days when a game between these two Original Six powers actually meant something substantial? It’s remarkable how these two franchises have failed miserably. At least this season they both have something in common… both teams suck!

In both organizations, management has to take as much, or more, than its share of blame. Pierre Gauthier has made questionable decision after questionable decision, but he at least got the Canadiens some future returns at the trade deadline. Burke has made some very shrewd trades and done a good job restocking the Leafs farm system with decent, but not great, prospects. For that he deserves kudos. But Burke has come up short is in acquiring free agents. At least the Habs appear to be getting that one right. As it stands now, we have a chance to win the draft lottery and get the first pick overall, plus we have Nashville’s second-rounder. But that won’t help right now.

Montreal has a franchise goalie in 24-year-old Carey Price and talented young regulars like David Desharnais, Max Pacioretty, PK Subban and Lars Eller. The prospect pool isn’t ranked very highly, but it does include first-round picks Nathan Beaulieu, Louis Leblanc and Jarred Tinordi, plus junior standout Brendan Gallagher.

Toronto is one of the youngest teams in the NHL. The organization boasts a deep pool of prospects including Jake Gardiner, Nazem Kadri, Matt Frattin, Ben Scrivens and James Reimer. Not to mention, Phil Kessel is only 24, Tyler Bozak’s 25 and Dion Phaneuf’s 26.

Let’s hope the Habs get a decent front office and they don’t screw up this year’s draft too!!!  Remember 2006 entry draft when the Habs selected David Fischer 20th overall… we had an opportunity to select Claude Giroux… and he’s French.