Originally Posted by
coastal
The Leafs haven't been at it as long, but you have to think they aren't far behind the Sabres, so let's create some topics of comparison to bring some structure to this debate...
Team President
Russ Brandon v Brendan Shanahan - this one isn't even worth the discussion. Winner - Leafs
GM
Tim Murray v Lou Lamoriello - autism boy already has two of his big trade pickups (Kane and Bogo) on the trade block per reports. He over paid for a goalie that cant seem to stay on the ice. He was able to tank properly in spite of every effort by some crazed, goalie's wife ****er enjun. The ROR trade was brilliant. Lamoriello is a Hall of Fame GM. They were able to correctly cut the head off of the snake by jettisoning Phaneuf, however They did give up the player that should have won the Conn Smythe. Phil isn't a franchise leader but with someone else in that role, Phil is an amazing talent. There are only so many players who can score goals in the universe. I don't think they should have given up on Phil. Like Murray, the Leafs overpaid for their goalie, but at least their's had a track record. The Leafs also didn't really tank. They got rid of guys that didn't fit their mold. They scrapped hard all year long. Here is no question that Sabres tanked for at least two years. Winner - Leafs
head coach
Blysma v Babcock - considering we lost the Babcock sweepstakes and Blysma was the runner-up prize this automatically given to the Leafs. Winner - Leafs
Franchise Player
Eichel v Matthews - it's still early but my money is on Matthews here. Eichel doesn't play D consistently and isn't the total player that Matthews is. Eichel is beyond talented in terms of skating, speed, strength and a shot... but one is destined to be a true #1 franchise pivot ala Toews. Winner - Leafs
supporting cast
Reinhart, Rasumus, ROR, Kane v Rielly, JVR, Kadri, Nylander - aside from Kane showing some red flags and my love of JVR... the edge here goes to Buffalo. Reinhart has shown to be very crafty and incredibly fun to watch how he processes the game. ROR is clearly a captain in the makings in spite of his DUI and aversion to Tim Hortons. Kadri is a functional #2C and JVR is on his way out by all reports. Nylander looks to be a special talent. Rielly and Rasmus are a push. Winner - Sabres.
Outlook - as of now the clear winner on the rebuild are the Leafs, but much will be decided in terms of who ends up competing deep into the playoffs 2-3 years down the road based on the decisions that are made in that time. It all starts at the top though and the Leafs are better structure for success than the Sabres are. Winner - Leafs.
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