Ex-General Manager Brian Burke Reveals why the Toronto Maple Leafs and the Calgary Flames are the perfect trade partners
Brian Burke, an important figure in the world of hockey, recently appeared on the Leafs Nation show to provide valuable insights into an upcoming trade discussion between the Leafs and Flames.
Brian Burke Shares Valuable Insights on Upcoming Leafs Trade
During the interview, the main topic was on the ongoing trade rumors between the Leafs and Flames, particularly regarding Flames defensemen.
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While Nikita Zadorov's name has been mentioned, the Flames have also expressed interest in parting ways with defensemen Noah Hanifin and Chris Tanev.
Interestingly, Leafs GM Brad Treliving recently transitioned from the Flames to Toronto. When asked if this could facilitate trade negotiations with his former team, Burke had this to say:
"You'd like to think you have superior knowledge, it's a team you worked for and you think you know their players. I can still tell you any player I had in Pittsburgh, I can still tell you everything you wanna know about him, if he's still there I can tell you everything you wanna know about him...
I think Connie (Craig Conroy) has the same body of knowledge so you're dealing with two guys with equal knowledge, and Craig Conroy is new at this, but he's a real good guy, he's a real smart guy, and I think he'll do a good job. It gives you an advantage that you both know everything that there is about these players, it might be simpler in some cases to make a fit, rather than thinking you have superior knowledge [over the other GM]"
I think Connie (Craig Conroy) has the same body of knowledge so you're dealing with two guys with equal knowledge, and Craig Conroy is new at this, but he's a real good guy, he's a real smart guy, and I think he'll do a good job. It gives you an advantage that you both know everything that there is about these players, it might be simpler in some cases to make a fit, rather than thinking you have superior knowledge [over the other GM]"
Burke Shares What He Believes the Leafs Should Do
Burke stressed the importance for the Leafs to establish clear roles for any player they acquire. Defining the roles of their defensemen is crucial to maximizing their performance.
"The key is getting these defenseman the right seat at the table, it's a phrase that Tre used to use when I was working there. You want everyone at the right seat at the table, so you do have a number one defenseman, you do have a number two defenseman, you do have a number three defenseman, you do have a number four defenseman."
He also highlighted the importance of having a plan to extend the contracts of any acquired players. Burke's perspective is that if the Leafs acquire players through a trade but allow them to depart in the offseason, they essentially lose valuable assets for nothing.
"I think they got to make sure they got to sign them both if they're going to pay any kind of meaningful price. You have to have some agreement that they're going to sign or else why bother?"
The question that remains is the precise course of action the Leafs will take. With the team's defensive needs, particularly in light of John Klingberg's potential season-long absence, a huge decision will be taken.
As seen on Hockey Latest - Ex-Leafs GM Analyzes Why Toronto Maple Leafs and Calgary Flames Are Ideal Trade Match
| POLL | ||
23 NOVEMBRE | 422 ANSWERS Ex-General Manager Brian Burke Reveals why the Toronto Maple Leafs and the Calgary Flames are the perfect trade partners Do you think the Leafs and the Flames will made a trade this season? | ||
| Yes | 291 | 69 % |
| No | 131 | 31 % |
| List of polls | ||
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