The Maple Leafs have announced that they have picked up the 2007-08 option for G.M. John Ferguson. After the hot start the Leafs have gotten off to this season, it would be hard not to at least pick up his option year. A long extension will most likely wait until the off-season (if at all), as it seems there is an out clause depending on how the Leafs finish the season.

The fact that they didn't pick up his option, or sign him to a longer contract before today, has been talked about in Toronto for months. Opinions on the matter vary, some think he's done a good job, while others felt he should have been let go before the season started.

There is no questioning the fact that he has made some questionable signings; Jason Allison, Eric Lindros, Alex Khavanov and Marius Czerkawski, but at least they were only 1 year deals. Ed Belfore's 2 year extension was definitely questionable, and the same goes for Tie Domi's deal, both were bought out before the season.

This off-season, he overpaid for free agents. McCabe is overpaid by at least a $1 million ($5.75 million average), while Kubina makes $5 million ($750,000 per year more than Kaberle). The length of the contracts could handcuff the Leafs in future years depending on the salary cap. McCabe and Kaberle signed for 5 years, and Kubina signed for 4. The Leafs have plenty of young defensive prospects that are really close, if not ready, to play everyday in the NHL. Only time will tell for the Raycroft-Task trade. If Raycroft continues to play well, like he did during is rookie year and not how he played last year, it should be a good deal made by Ferguson. Rask could turn out to be a bust and not the top rated goalie not in the NHL, according to some.