As I wait for the horrible weather to go away and wish I could fly to Tampa Bay to enjoy my Super Bowl 43 betting, I’m about to do what many NHL betting fans hate: talk about the Toronto Maple Leafs. Yes, the NHL is a big league, and the Leafs shouldn’t always be the centerpiece…especially when they’re as crappy as they are right now. But online sports betting fans can’t ignore the so-called “hockey mecca” all year long…and besides, when have I gabbed about the Leafs on this blog so far?

I’ll try to keep this short ‘n’ sweet. Brian Burke, I have two warnings for you…

1. DO NOT TRADE FOR CHRIS PRONGER. Hey, I have nothing against him as a player. I love the guy, actually, and he’s captured the hearts of those who bet on hockey over the years. But the rumor that Brian Burke is exploring a deal for him is troubling for Leaf Nation. Acquiring an expensive 34-year-old means trading something to get him. And the Leafs cannot deal away picks or waste our key trading chips on a guy past his prime.

2. DO NOT TRADE FOR JAY BOUWMEESTER. Am I crazy? Not trade for the Chris Pronger of 10 years ago, but with more offenisve upside (albeit less physicality)? Hold your horses. Acquiring Bouwmeester would be a great move for Toronto. If I’m Burke, I make a strong play for him when he’s an unrestricted free agent this summer. But trading for Bouwmeester before the deadline could be disastrous. It would entail dealing away a valuable piece — say, Tomas Kaberle — when the Leafs could sign Bouwmeester in July without surrendering any players or picks in return.

Burke has to use his trading chips to get picks and prospects. Pronger doesn’t fit that mold at all and Bouwmeester can be had without giving anything up. Remember that, NHL betting fans and Brian Burke!