Don't be Surprised
Posted 1:25 AM ET | Comments 5
As I write this, John Ferguson Jr. is still the general manager of the Toronto Maple Leafs, as far as I know anyways. Of course it is completely possible that Ferguson was fired long ago and MLSE has asked him to hold the position while they search for an interim GM. This would explain why there has practically been no roster changes during this catastrophic slump, with the exemption of Dominic Moore, who was picked up off of waivers.
Anyways, last night a story broke from TSN's Bob Mackenzie that former Maple Leafs manager Cliff Fletcher was approached by MLSE and was asked if he was interested in becoming the Leafs interim GM.
Cliff Fletcher is not a bad idea by any means. At 72 years-old, he is younger than Scotty Bowman. As for his history, it's not bad either. Actually it's pretty darn good. After all, he is actually already in the Hockey Hall of Fame under the builders category.
...Having already built a winning team in Calgary, Fletcher took on the role as manager of the Toronto Maple Leafs. Almost immediately he made a trade that brought Doug Gimour, and four others to Toronto. To Calgary he sent Gary Leeman, as well as four others, all whom would have no impact in the NHL.
He also traded Wendel Clark away to the Nordiques. Many fans questioned this move as Clark was a fan favourite. In return the Leafs got a kid by the name of Mats Sundin. Fletcher said that Sundin would be a superstar for the Leafs for the next 10 years.....I believe its been 12 already.
Cliff Fletcher is a guy who really has an eye for talent, winning talent. And it's not like he has been away from the league for long, he was with the Coyotes up until last season and is still under contract with them....he knows who the players are...he knows where the talent is.
If Cliff Fletcher does take the position......don't be surprised to see him fire head coach Paul Maurice. Thats what he did the first time he came to Toronto. He brought in another coach at the time....Pat Burns....don't be surprised to see Pat Burns behind the Leafs bench before the seasons end or maybe even Doug Gilmour.
Also....don't be surprised to see the fan favourite traded out of this city for a kid who will be the Leafs superstar for the next 10 years.....or 12.
Anyways, last night a story broke from TSN's Bob Mackenzie that former Maple Leafs manager Cliff Fletcher was approached by MLSE and was asked if he was interested in becoming the Leafs interim GM.
Cliff Fletcher is not a bad idea by any means. At 72 years-old, he is younger than Scotty Bowman. As for his history, it's not bad either. Actually it's pretty darn good. After all, he is actually already in the Hockey Hall of Fame under the builders category.
...Having already built a winning team in Calgary, Fletcher took on the role as manager of the Toronto Maple Leafs. Almost immediately he made a trade that brought Doug Gimour, and four others to Toronto. To Calgary he sent Gary Leeman, as well as four others, all whom would have no impact in the NHL.
He also traded Wendel Clark away to the Nordiques. Many fans questioned this move as Clark was a fan favourite. In return the Leafs got a kid by the name of Mats Sundin. Fletcher said that Sundin would be a superstar for the Leafs for the next 10 years.....I believe its been 12 already.
Cliff Fletcher is a guy who really has an eye for talent, winning talent. And it's not like he has been away from the league for long, he was with the Coyotes up until last season and is still under contract with them....he knows who the players are...he knows where the talent is.
If Cliff Fletcher does take the position......don't be surprised to see him fire head coach Paul Maurice. Thats what he did the first time he came to Toronto. He brought in another coach at the time....Pat Burns....don't be surprised to see Pat Burns behind the Leafs bench before the seasons end or maybe even Doug Gilmour.
Also....don't be surprised to see the fan favourite traded out of this city for a kid who will be the Leafs superstar for the next 10 years.....or 12.
I hope he, or anyone else for that matter, comes in to the the Leafs organization and shakes the place up like an bully with a jar of ants. I may not be a Leafs fan but I hate seeing any hockey team suffer due to... well... managerial stupidity. The whole situation the leafs are in is ridiculous. Somethings gotta break.
I have a feeling that the Leafs are going to get lacavalier...I don't know how...but I can see him in the Blue and White. Antropov, Steen, blake and White?
Dave I thought that a while back as well, but you know as well as I do that thoughts like that should be kept to our selves around here. Who knows, this guy brought Sundin here, I guess anything is possible. The only problem is that to get someone like Lecavalier you have to give up your best asset, which is Sundin. Tampa doesnt need Sundin, it will be very difficult.
Pat Burns will not be the next coach of the Leafs, the Leafs are a team in need of re-building and that is not something that Burns is suited for. And Dave it's going to take a lot more then that to land Lecavalier!
rather lofty dreams there. in refernce to the blog. just cause you say trade sundin for prospects and picks doesn't mean any of 'em will pan out. so far for guerin the blues have perron panning out. barriball's still in college.and as long as jfj's there you might end up with brad richards before you'd ever see lecavlier. it'd take a huge huge huge amount to pry leclavier out of tampa.