By Stephen Johns

Nazem Kadri is the newest fresh-faced teenager to arrive in Toronto with the responsibility of resurrecting a moribund franchise—this, after the Maple Leafs selected him seventh overall from the London Knights in tonight’s NHL Entry Draft. In the end, Brian Burke’s aggressive pursuit of a higher draft position yielded nothing; speculation that the Leafs would trade up in order to select Brayden Schenn, brother of Luke, ended when the younger Schenn went fifth overall to the Los Angeles Kings. Kadri will likely need at least another year of junior hockey before joining the big club. And we’re fine with that: now that there’s a regime in charge with apparent commitment to rebuilding, we’re happy to put our faith in Burke and his plan. Welcome to the Maple Leafs, Nazem! You’re forgiven for being a childhood Habs fan.