The Trade Winner

It's been one game. As such, it's tough to already evaluate a trade (even though some people may already sense a bit of crazy in one of the GM's involved), but what fun is it if we don't try?

The Phaneuf deal and its winners and losers has been beaten to death, but after one game there have been some subtle changes on the Leafs team that are worth discussing. This brings me to my selection for the big winner of the trade: Luke Schenn.

Is it just me, or did he play Tuesday night like someone who recently had a boulder surgically removed from his shoulders? Nothing flashy, but he looked like the Luke of last year. If this positive play continues, it's hard not to believe that Phaneuf's arrival has played a big part in Schenn's mental aspect of his game. Yes, he's been playing better as of late even prior to the trade, but it still has to come as some relief for Schenn to know that he is not the ONLY young, hotshot defensemen anymore.

Komisarek and Beauchemin's arrival did little to stem the regression of Schenn, but Phaneuf's arrival may be different. Even with the changes made to the defense in offseason, many still pegged Schenn as the future of the team. The cornerstone of hope which could be relied on for years to come. The next man to lead this team following Sundin's departure. I'm not saying he isn't any of these things, but for a 20 year old to have someone only a few years his senior, who plays a similar aggressive style and comes from a similar hockey background, arrive on the team and have the similar long term potential as far as leading the team, it has to be a relief to know he won't be the only man blamed if the team doesn't perform the way it should.

It's all guesswork on my part, but after one game everyone seems to sense a different atmosphere surrounding the team. For someone who's struggles this year seem to primarily be mental, this can only be a good thing.

Luck

It can be argued that the Toronto Maple Leafs are - and have been for over forty years - lacking in luck. In fact, I believe there are few who could argue against this. Yes, the team and the fans have lately been subject to poor management, lack of talent, and perhaps "blue and white disease," but, our lack of winning for over 4 decades can almost singlehandedly be blamed on a complete lack of luck. Still, we had our lucky moments (like a delightful collection of post-season Snes matchups), but never when it mattered most. But at least we weren't Red Sox fans pre-2004.

I present to you Exhibit A.

(You probably know what it is, and if you do, save yourself the anguish).

Thanks to DGB for the link. Yes, Kerry Fraser's douchebaggery clearly played a large role, but it may all be boiled down to piss poor luck.

I could provide a large list of such unlucky occurrences, but I would prefer not to subject the readers to such a collection of sorrow, as they likely could make a more thorough list themselves without my help.

Think of the last time the Leafs were a competitor. Who ran the ship? Irishman Pat Quinn. Since then, it has been a slew of disappointing seasons. As such, I have taken it upon myself to write at this time not only because I have been recently inspired by reading a number of Toronto bloggers (to list them would take far too long), but also because I honestly believe we are on our way to something big. And who is the captain of our ship now? Irishman Brian Burke.

Say what you will about the Irish (for example: "Burke must have been as drunk as an Irishman when he made that trade." And, for the record, he probably was), but there may be something to this.

Is it a coincidence that the beloved Toronto Maple Leafs were once known as the Toronto St. Pats? Is it coincidence that Conn Smythe himself was Irish? Is it coincidence that AHL All Star Christian Hanson played for the Fighting Irish? Is this all the luck of the Irish? Probably not... but wouldn't it be awesome if it was?

Every move Burke has made lately - particularly the most recent Phaneuf move - is high risk/high reward. Burke is gambling here, and what's the key to a successful gambler?

A proven system.

But if you don't have that, you damn well better be lucky. Here's hoping we've got one of the two.