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NATHAN DENETTE

Not all that long ago, Toronto Maple Leafs general manager Brian Burke would have told you his team was all set on the blueline. That is, after all, the oft-repeated mantra for Burke when putting a squad together: Build from the back end out.

Although he insists the plan hasn't changed, Burke is apparently working the phones in an attempt to add some depth to his suddenly depleted defence corps. The departure of Tomas Kaberle and Francois Beauchemin netted some useful future assets, but there are an awful lot of minutes up for grabs now and not many suitable replacements to play them.

Luke Schenn has been solid and is a building block for the franchise, but things get a little dicey after that. Big tickets Dion Phanuef and Mike Komisarek have struggled all year; Keith Aulie looks promising but is awfully inexperienced; Carl Gunnarsson doesn't exactly elicit excitement and Brett Lebda has been abysmal in the 26 games he's suited up for this season.



So yeah, we're expecting news shortly that Burke has acquired a defenceman in a deal. He has to.

The New York Islanders are in town tonight (7 p.m., LEAFS TV), so expect a game day preview from Mirtle in this space later this afternoon. He did send along this piece of news this morning, via Twitter: Jonas Gustavsson and Christian Hanson have been returned to the Marlies.

Until then, the links:

Mirtle's story from today's paper and the blog post he filed yesterday afternoon.

Toronto Star reporter Daniel Griard catches up with Leaf prospect Jerry D'Amigo, who is finding his game in the OHL.

Joe Colborne has made a big impression in his two games with the Marlies.

Toronto Sun reporter Terry Koshan speaks to a frustrated Tyler Bozak.

National Post reporter Sean Fitz-Gerald talks to The Monster after his latest heart surgery.

Down Goes Brown provides the details of Don Cherry's new contract.



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