While on the subject of failed strategy, I thought of the Maple Leafs. This is a team that has a certain appeal to many Canadian hockey players who idolized the team in their youth. This developed a desire in players such as Mike Peca and Eric Lindros to sign contracts that would put them in the blue and white. A dream come true for players such as these.

But what about the fans*? We all knew Eric Lindros was definitely on the down-side of his career. The man had suffered eight concussions and never played a full season his entire career (though he came very close once). The point is I don't care what type of 'bargain' they think he was at 1.55 million, there was no way they had high expectations for what Eric brought to the table. This was a team that could use serious help and signing Lindros was a step in the wrong direction.

As for Mike Peca, at least he had something to offer. He has a strong reputation for two-way play and penalty-killing prowess, though not for racking up points. And the Leafs got him at a hometown discount. Seems like one of those "Why not?" kind of deals that just didn't work out again due to injury.

And what's with these one year deals? Did these players just want to don the jerseys of their hometown heroes for one season before moving again to greener pastures? Playing with your favourite team is one thing, showing a commitment to winning with that team is another altogether.

More recently, moves have brought the likes of Pavel Kubina, Hal Gill, Vesa Toskala and Mark Bell to Toronto. I'll keep my thoughts brief:

Pavel Kubina: Shows a bit of an offensive upside with decent defensive acumen. A little overpriced at five million per season. Not a terrible signing really, except for the pricetag.

Hal Gill: $2,075,000 for a large, slow-moving pylon. That is all.

Vesa Toskala: Vesa looked like he could hold a number one position after stealing from Nabokov for a short time. They gave up some of their future to land him, but even I thought he could be worth it. Toskala got a heft raise from the 1.375 million he's making this season, earning 4 million the next two years with the Leafs. He's an improvement over Raycroft at this point, but is far from stellar.

Mark Bell: Kind of a dark horse here. He used to look like a capable 20-goal scorer, and the Leafs must think he does now despite legal trouble and a 71 game campain with a strong Sharks team that saw him finish with 21 points. He has 5 points in 16 games with the Leafs currently, but I'll give him a chance before I judge him too harshly.

And I nearly forgot Jason Blake. There were more talented and consistent forwards out there (Smyth, Briere) but none quite as cheap as Blake at 5 million per year. I don't agree with the salary, if only because he's 34 and has only one season at 40 goals, and no others above even 30. This year he's set a pace for 13 goals. I think that speaks for itself.

Given the results of signings like these, it's no surprise to me that rumours emerged concerning potential firings of the Leafs' head coach or GM.

*I am not a Leafs fan.

If a Leafs fan reads this, let me know what you think of your team's moves and where you think they're headed.