Einstein once opined that the definition of insanity is “doing the same thing over and over again and expecting a different result.”  If he is to believed, that means I’m probably insane - me, and most of my family and a good chunk of the GTA, Golden Horseshoe, South-Western Ontario, and pockets of Sweden. About this time, usually coinciding with NHL Draft Weekend, it is like all the disappointment of the past NHL season is washed away and we all start believing again. 

So I have NO IDEA why I’m excited about the moves the Leafs may make during the draft weekend and over the next few weeks to improve the team.  Will they deal Kaberle for a forward that can score some goals? What about signing a kick-ass free agent that can score some goals?  I just believe that this is the year it’ll all come together.  Our latest saviour GM will make the right deals, and our latest saviour Coach and Captain will get it done on the ice.  They have to, right? They’ve got everything going for them - a hockey-mad market, buckets of cash, the smartest hockey minds in the room - how could they screw this up? 

Why I, and we, believe is beyond me.  Ever since my dad threw a Leaf’s jersey on me as a wee tot, just as his father had done for him and as I’ll do for my daughter, I’ve been doomed to a lifetime of disappointment. Maybe a team will spring up in Hamilton someday to save me? A team with plans, ambitions, and doesn’t accept (or throw mad cash at) mediocrity - a team that I can settle down with, and enjoy championships together.  But who am I kidding? I’d only pretend to support that team - I’d always long for the embrace of the blue buds, even sneak to dank pubs on a Saturday night to revive that old spark we had.  Bottom line: it is insane to be a Leaf’s fan.  But I can’t stop.

Since moving home to London from Toronto I’ve had the London Knights to keep my spirits up long after the Leafs players are on the golf courses of South Carolina. There’s a team that gets it done from the front office to the blueline.  But as excited as I am for the local team, it just isn’t the same as success for the Leafs.

So I’m pumped about draft weekend and also think the new Captain, Dion Phaneuf, has what it takes to lead this team to the playoffs next season.  Coach Wilson and GM Burke are close to having their team, not the heaping pile of crap left to them by the previous GM - Wilson will finally be an amazing bench boss this season, and Burke’s reputation as being ‘3D Vulcan chess smart’ will come true .  Go Leafs Go!

And the cycle begins anew.