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IMO Burke gets a lot of flak for being such a publicly outspoken figure. When he took over the TML, their club was messed. Messed to a similar level as the Flames. I think the Leafs are headed in the right direction and have pieces in place for at least the next couple of years anyways to be able to make serious runs at the playoffs. Once you're in the playoffs, anything can happen.
If Burke didn't give Grabovski 5.5M/yr, somebody else would have on July 1. I think that's overpayment, but given what is on the market this summer to replace Grabovski, his hands were kind of tied. If they miss the playoffs this year, lose Grabovski to UFA and cannot replace him, then they will in all likelihood take another step back next season. Problem with this signing is it raises the bar for Kessel and Lupul, oh well, not our problem.
The Flames on the other hand seem to be wallowing in the same mould of just barely making/missing the playoffs, so not bad enough to get a great draft pick and not good enough be considered better than mediocre.
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