Panic. . .Or Not

The recent signing of Mikhail Grabovski by the Leafs to a five-year, $27.5 million deal has created a firestorm of debate over whether it was a good deal.

On the side of those who believe its a bad deal, there was the accusation that GM Brian Burke panicked after the trade deadline because of the performance of his team and tried to make a splash with the signing.

Interesting theory. Just wrong.

Remember the visit of Burke to the Leaf practice facility in the hours before the deadline that caused a stir after it was caught by Sportsnet cameras? Well, as it turns out, the purpose of that visit was to meet with Grabovski.

The night before, the Leafs had closed the deal on the new contract with Grabovski's agent, but then got the feeling that there was some waffling at the other end. Unwilling to keep Grabovski without the new contract, Burke went to the Mastercard Centre to meet the German-born centre and to find out whether they had a deal or not.

Grabovski said they did. The two men shook on the deal, and Grabovski stayed a Leaf.

So the deal was done before the deadline, not after.

Sort of impacts the theory that it was all about post-deadline panic.

Comments

[Andy Wood]

This highlights the personality of the Toronto Hockey Fan - a market comprised of quiet observers, impatient table-thumpers and knowledgeable fans who themselves understand that the Burke Organization took a long term, deep fix approach to the leafs. He too could have followed a path similar to Florida but was dedicated to work toward perenially contender - similar to Detroit. You do that through building a system that will replenish itself.

If you'd asked me what the timetable would be 3 1/2 years ago when Burke set out on this mammoth task - I'd have guessed nothing less than 5-7 years.

In fact, not to take away from the team now (it's consistent goaltending and a first line cente away from a team that can compete 9 nights out of 10. It's close and I'm happy with what he's done to date (other than fire Ron Wilson - which is simply grounded in fact that he was so close to seeing the team become what had been envisioned). But, I'm not doubting his ability - I'm just enjoying all the skill he's built into the System.

[paul]

They release the news only after he scores again to make it more palatable to the public. How is that for Spin!

[morecowbell]

before or after he still paid too much for a player who's only had one good season.

[Ralph Smith]

Glad they've got Grabovski signed up again. He is a hard worker night in, night out. I don't usually like the longer deals but I think Grabovski will come through. He can dominate a game, leads by example & should be a force for years to come. The Leafs fans need to pop some Valium and mellow out. We are still rebuilding it takes a few years for the prospects to develop, it's not an overnight fix. Burke or Nonis need to pursue Corey Schneider from the Canuck's to give us some consistent goaltending. Buy out Komo's contract & maybe a couple of others to start the road to success. We don't need Komisarek large useless contract as we have enough young defense who can do a better job than Komisarek has. The veteran forwards are here for a reason, which is to allow the youth to develop properly without rushing them. I am glad Wilson is gone as bringing up Kadri leaving him in the press box didn't help with his confidence. At least when he stays in the minor he's working on his game with Eakins and learning a lot more, he's had his time at the NHL level but shouldn't be back until he's ready to stay.

[Luke Joseph Menkes]

"The night before, the Leafs had closed the deal on the new contract with Grabovski's agent, but then got the feeling that there was some waffling at the other end. Unwilling to keep Grabovski without the new contract, Burke went to the Mastercard Centre to meet the German-born centre and to find out whether they had a deal or not."

In other words, Burke panicked and Grabovski and agent knew they had Burke over a barrel.

A powerful GM could have told this exact player: We are offering $4.5 million over 4 years or we are trading you to x team for draft picks. We need your answer no later than one week before the trade deadline. We appreciate your efforts and want to keep you a part of our team if possible. No hard feelings, just business.

That losing streak stripped a lot of power from Burke. I can guarantee that Cherry's rant or questions about his firing never would even be in the public conversation today had the Leafs not fallen off a cliff.

[Steve C.]

Thinking it's a bad deal has nothing to do with the timing. It's bad be because the Leafs already have a small, non-Ontarian, streaky, media-shy, grit-less player getting paid over 5000000.00 a year....and that was one too much. Lol.

[Jason Macdonald]

How can you guys stand Burke as a GM. What type of man offers a contract extension than fire someone a few months later, He should have seen how the season ended before giving an extension. How about not being able to handle Cherry or other reporters questioning what he does. He is arrogant and the bottom line is Leafs will miss playoffs 4 years in a row under his watch. Teams like Ottawa's rebuild is way more successful than Burke's vision of a rebuild. Burke should pay for the leafs not making playoiffs with his job. It should be bye bye Burke. PS -- Burke was not responsible for the Ducks winning the cup in 07.

[hockey4um]

I listen as some of you continue to go on about Brian and his big plan , and how it takes now 5-7 years ???????????? Wake Up , while you speak of the progress you have made ( again out of the playoffs ?? )other teams who were in a spot similar to that of the Leafs become much better for now and the future ie Winnipeg, Florida , Tampa , Colorado , Phoenix .... all of these teams have catipolted beyond the Leafs and we still have jokers on this site believing in some Big Plan that has so far cost a bunch and netted nothing ........ R U guys really this gulable ???????

[boyd hussey]

i've been a Grabovski fan since before he joined Leafts. he is an asset to any team. i don't know what happened in Montreal that was so bitter but at least Leafs got a star player. i have lived in fear eversince that they would trade him off like Leafs often do. SLAVA!

[Carm]

SMH, not sure why The Leafs resign M. Grabovski. Not sure exactly how long Grabovski been a leaf for. Lets say 5 years.. in 5 years no playoff appearances for Grabovski and the Leafs. Why sign a player at 5M when he has never helped you enter the playoff?

[Ken Chevis]

I have resisted answering Andy Wood's comments for about two days. Finally, I yield to temptation. In his comments of March 10th, he expresses his undying love for everything MLSE, everything Brian Burke and everything Maple Leafs. And herein lies the problem. Until Toronto fans like Wood understand that the only way to eliminate "hockey genius" general managers, coaches who cannot, or will not, communicate with their team and middle-of-the-road players who demand multi-million dollar salaries is to stop putting their butts into the seats in the Air Canada Centre. The new suits at Rogers/Bell will respond very quickly if the revenue streams begin to dry up. Mr Wood, what part of "boycott" do you not understand?

[Glen]

Whether or not anyone thinks the $27.5 million is market-value, or over-paying, Grabo had a career year last year with the Leafs, and is currently on pace to beat that this year. His stats are comparable to Jeff Carter and Ryan Kesler.