Brian Burke expects to keep Leafs fifth overall pick
Toronto Maple Leafs general manager Brian Burke says that the team fully expects to keep their fifth overall pick in the upcoming NHL draft, according to ESPN's Pierre LeBrun.
"We've had discussions with other teams that I would characterize mostly as tire kicking, nothing that we've had to even huddle on. Now, the way the draft works, the time frame gets very compressed as you get closer. So it'll crank right up," Burke said. "Teams who haven't even called me, I expect will call starting tomorrow. But I fully expect to keep that pick."
There has been speculation that the Leafs would attempt to trade for Vancouver Canucks goalie Roberto Luongo. If Burke fails to find a suitable deal for Luongo, he is comfortable moving forward with current starter James Reimer and Toronto Marlies (AHL) starter Ben Scrivens.
"If we can upgrade at the goaltending position, and at a reasonable price, we'll do it. But we are prepared to go with Reimer-Scrivens. I believe in James Reimer. He's young, he's athletic, I believe in this kid. If we have to start like that, we will," Burke said.
Reimer's 2011-12 season, his second in the NHL, was not nearly as impressive as his first season. The 24-year-old posted a 14-14-4 record, while missing time due to a head injury, just one season after going 20-10-5 in 35 starts.
