Tavares is No. 1 target for Burke

In a way you kinda have to admire Burke's bravado but there is no way in hell the Islanders are going to give up John Tavares, not in a million years. Also, what does Burke have to bargain with, there is not a lot of talent on the Leafs.

TORONTO -- The Maple Leafs are going to aggressively pursue a top NHL entry draft spot, perhaps even the No. 1 position, says GM Brian Burke.

Going into the draft lottery Tuesday night, Toronto was seventh in the selection order and could move up a maximum of four spots if it wins the weighted draw.

Burke intends to be wheeling and dealing before the top teen talent is dispersed in Montreal with an eye on landing highly touted forward John Tavares.

"We'll immediately attempt to move up," Burke said during a news conference Tuesday morning. "We're going to talk to everyone between us and the first pick and see what the landscape is.

This is the type of General Manager the Minnesota Wild need to hire. I also think there are a few players on the Wild that feel they are entitled as well and don't respect the game, or think the name on the back of the jersey is more important than the logo on the front. After reading all of the crap that James Sheppard has pulled this past season with the Wild a good GM would have shipped his ass off to Houston faster in a New York Minute. Untouchable, I don't know what Risebrough sees in James Sheppard because he has done nothing in his two shorts years for the Wild. Ryan Jones the player they traded away to Nashville is developing at a faster rate than James Sheppard. Ryan Jones has scored two less goals than James Sheppard in 114 less games. Tell me who you would rather have traded last summer?

Burke said he and head coach Ron Wilson have progressed in their attempt to end the "culture of entitlement" some players feel when they play for the Leafs.

"Anyone who thinks he's on this roster because he has a contract is sadly mistaken," he said, adding a mention that the buyout option kicks in July 1.