Maple Leafs' cupboard is full for 2011-2012 NHL season

Brian Burke stocking Leafs' shelves with prospects and picks

With a handful of early round draft picks and Jake Gardiner and Joe Colborne down on the farm, the Toronto Maple Leafs September 2011 training camp looks to be an exciting, eventful affair. Gardiner and Colborne may start next season with the Toronto Marlies, though each has a shot at making the NHL roster.

2011 trade acquisitions by Toronto Maple Leafs:

Joe Colborne, 21 - Young, big, solid, steady centre

Jake Gardiner, 20- Young, skilled Team USA junior / US college defender has now signed 3 year deal with Leafs, already playing with Marlies

Joffrey Lupul, 27 - Injury reclamation project with upside

Aaron Voros, 29 - Big strong forward came from Anaheim for 7th rounder, while Mitchell went to NYR for 7th rounder, so consider it Mitchell for Voros and let's see

Boston Bruins' 1st round draft pick in 2011 NHL Entry Draft

Philadelphia Flyers' 1st round draft pick in 2011 NHL Entry Draft

Philadelphia Flyers' 3rd round draft pick in 2011 NHL Entry Draft

New York Rangers' 2012 7th round pick


What the Toronto Maple Leafs may receive:

2012 2nd round pick from Boston, should they make Stanley Cup finals, or re-sign Tomas Kaberle.


What the Leafs gave up:

2 to 3 months of Tomas Kaberle, 33

Francois Beachemin, 30

Kris Versteeg, 24

John Mitchell, 26

2011 7th round pick

If you are a leafs fan you have to appreciate that the excitement of this year's playoff run is not being enjoyed at the expense of the future, but more likely is the beginning of better days for the buds.

Online article analyzing 2011 trades by Toronto Maple Leafs

Here's a youthful core we can build on:

James Reimer, 23

Luke Schenn, 21
Dion Phaneuf, 25
Keith Aulie, 21
Carl Gunnarson, 24
Jake Gardiner, 20

Phil Kessel, 23
Nazem Kadri, 20
Niklai Kulemin, 24
Clarke Macarthur, 25
Mikhail Grabovski, 27
Darryl Boyce, 26
Mike Brown, 25
Joe Colborne, 20


Leafs hockey posts are now at my Toronto Maple Leafs fans blog