Brian Burke has failed!

I haven't really written a lick of sports unless it's Hamilton oriented since leaving the sports media business last September. OK I didn't leave I was punted. Whatever.
It's time however to lay out my views for what they are worth.
The subject happens to revolve around my favourite team now the only team not to make the playoffs since the lockout, and that is the Toronto Maple Leafs. Indeed a new category looms for this teams ineptitude if there's a lockout this fall; the only team not to make the playoffs between "the" lockouts. Can't wait.
Brian Burke said on his arrival in Toronto that he could not start from the ground up for the Toronto market place demanded better. Mistake number one.
Brian Burke upon his arrival in Toronto said he would have a big, fast and rambunctious team. If Colby Armstrong playing with Tim Connolly is the epitome of the above description than I and other Leafs fans misinterpreted. This team has never played tough and never made their building a place to avoid. Mistake number two.
Brian Burke knew coming to Toronto that he needed a first line centre, like a really good first line centre. He has Mikhail Grabovski who at times can be brilliant, but he's no true number one. Mistake number three.
Brian Burke knew when he came to Toronto that he would need a top ten NHL goalie. He hasn't found one yet. Mistake number four.
Ron Wilson. Mistake number five.
Phil Kessel. Mistake number six. I have defended THE  trade numerous times. I'm through defending. If 29 other teams leave Phil to his own devices, he's an excellent player. The moment any of those 29 lay on the body he disappears. Watch his body language around the big boys who hit in the league, especially Zdeno Chara. Phil looks like a deer in the headlights.
I know, I know, not to many people like playing against Chara but at least they show up for work.
What to do smart guy you might say? They need to do what they probably should have done years ago and that's make sure they are the worst damn team in the league next year. They have tried the trading route and the free agent signing route. They've spent as much as they can without success. The only other recourse to blowing it all up and going with the kids is to fire Brian Burke and that's not likely to happen. Brian himself could offer up another alternative which is a resignation letting someone else have a go at it. Why so down on Brian? I'm fed up with my team losing. I'm sick to death of sitting down to watch them and then turning to another channel when they let in two goals on four shots in seven minutes. I've shut them off this season more often than I've watched them to the conclusion of a game. In other words my blue and white affection is disappearing against my will.
What should they do? Oh boy where to start? They need to find a keeper but there aren't any under the age of 35 who are worth a damn on the free agent market.
They need to eliminate the right side of their defence. Schenn has regressed, Komisarek is passed his due date and the captain outside of his big shot really isn't a good skater, nor a real tough guy. He is making way too much money to be just mediocre. Liles has just been given an extension which may also turn out to be a mistake. Prior to his concussion he was playing terrific offencive hockey, but after he came back his offencive stats headed south of his defencive stats and that's saying something. Gardiner and Gunnarsson and Franson are keepers because they all have an upside. Up front, thanks for the scoring Phil but with two more years left on that deal I won't be able to watch him without thinking of Tyler Seguin let alone Taylor Hall. Tim Connolly was a gulp decision last summer and he has now proven the Sabres correct. He is also passed his due date unless we want to use him as a third line checking centre man. You don't want to do that! Fine! He and Mathew Lombardi can help each other move.
Colby Armstrong? A chirpy bust.
Mike Brown? More hustle than most but really we can't do better?
Jay Rosehill? Time for a permanent stay in the "A".
I'd keep Lupul because I think he has found his way back from purgatory in Anaheim and to me he was the best Leaf until his injury.
I like Frattin's speed, Bozak's creativity, Kulemin's work ethic and MacArthur's quick release. I'd keep them along with Mikhail. Joey Crabb can play on my team any time because he will go into Chara's corner even if it's just to find Phil. Big David Steckel I'd keep around for face offs and special teams. Joe Colborne in my opinion will never be. And Nazem Kadri? Don't get me started. He might be the second coming of Ramzi Abid.
There is some talent on the Marlies that may grow into NHL talent over the next couple of years but,  until this collection of players is bolstered by real leaders it's not going anywhere. If anyone thinks that we are just one trade away from the playoffs well, I have a railway system in Northern Ontario I can sell you.