Hmpf. Many of the online betting fans following the Blue and White are happy with Brian Burke’s offseason but I have to wonder if they’d be saying the same if it weren’t for one key signing — the Mike Komisarek deal, of course. That’s a great deal but it’s the only major move the Leafs have made so far.

In my sports predictions, I have to wonder if there’s a bit of collusion happening against Brian Burke. He’s always been a colorful, brash, in-your-face speaker, but he did so in West Coast markets or in Hartford, which may as well have been Greenland. Now, every sound bite he gives has a much bigger ripple. Saying stuff like “we’re trading up, we’ll aggressively pursuing so-and-so” — almost daring the league to stop him — may have ruffled a few feathers.

Overall, I like Burke’s style and I’m willing to accept the consequences that go with his actions. But I’d bet at the offshore sportsbook that more than one GM said “You know what? He made me a good offer but I’m sick of his antics and don’t want to get pushed around, so I’m not trading with him.:”

Am I crazier than someone picking Roddick’s Wimbledon odds Sunday? Maybe, but I’m betting management in several NHL cities could prove me right.