The Toronto Maple Leafs headed back home after ending their Western Conference excursion with a 3-2 loss to the San Jose Sharks. It was their fifth consecutive loss and the sixth time they have blown a two-goal lead this season. A bunch of Maple Leafs team executives attended the game and there was no mistaking the look on John Ferguson Jr's face after the loss, it spoke volumes.
This has to be the end of something; it sure isn't the beginning of anything. Someone has to go and it needs to happen soon, and when I say soon I mean now. John Ferguson Jr would be the obvious choice for many, but there a major problems with getting rid of him. For one, there is no one to take his place. General Managers do not grow on trees, it takes a long time and a lot of work to become a GM. Names like Mark Messier and Steve Yzerman have come up, but except for being great former players with a lot of knowledge about the game, they don't really have what it takes to be general managers. They haven't spent years traveling all over the continent watching games scouting for talent, and that is what it takes, among other things. You have to do the legwork, like Ken Holland for example. He started as the western scout for the Detroit Red Wings in 1985. From there he held various positions within the organization, before being named general manager in 1997. So yes, in ten years Mark Messier may become a GM, but for now all those qualified for the job are taken.
On the other hand, time is short and changes need to be made immediately. A lot of people are calling for head coach Paul Maurice to be fired, and I think he will be the first to be scarified. Though the player material he has had to work with hasn't been great, I can't really say he has done a good job during his time with the Leafs. The players keep insisting they still have a shot at the playoffs, but in reality that ship has already sailed. I suggest they just ride out this season with assistant coach Keith Acton leading the team and instead focus on who will take over next season. Unfortunately Jacque Lamaire is tied up with the Minnesota Wild until 2009-2010. I would have loved to see a guy like him come in and turn things upside down in T.O.
The possible trade of captain Mats Sundin has been the focus of most Maple Leaf talk lately, and that is definitely a big piece of the puzzle. His departure could mark the beginning of a new
As for the rest of the management, they should also consider their future in the club, president Richard Peddie in particular.
1/13/2008
When is it enough for the Leafs?
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6 comments:
Actually, JFJ has very similar credentials as Kenny Holland prior to becoming GM. Survey says he's qualified but he's lame duck. The problem's that the Leafs need to approve every single move with a board of governors which clogs up the decision making process. The successful Red Wings have Holland, Stevie Y, and Ilitch calling the shots with a little advice from Bowman. Three smart men making quick decisions with sound advice.
You're right about the proper experience notion but if Garth Snow can take off his pads and step into the GM's office, then Messier probably should qualify as well.
BFox
I'm not saying Mark Messier couldn't be a general manager, perhaps he could. But even if he is GM material it doesn't mean he's the right man for the job.
Yes, JFJ worked as a scout and an assistant general manager before becoming the Leaf's GM, much like Ken Holland did. But JFJ was not the right man for Toronto. So Garth Snow being a GM hardly qualify Messier for the job.
I also did point out that Toronto should probably consider getting rid of more people, higher up organization.
YES they should get rid of everyone and when I say soon I mean years ago.
About Sundin he simply HAS to go. It's now or never for the Leafs. Get some quality prospects/picks in return, finish with a top-2 pick in the draft and this club could be turning the corner in a couple of years. But it's the same ol' song and dance with Toronto, they simply never get it.
Mats Sundin is the key factor to Torontos future. He is the only player valuable enough to get the first-round picks they need. So move him and move on. But as you said, they simply never get it.
The Maple Leafs should be fined for wasting his career.
Ha ha. How many years have fans been asking, check that, YELLING at management to give Sundin a decent first-line caliber linemate?!
Of course, the flip-side to that coin is that Sundin is moron for resigning with the Maple Laughs every chance he gets.
BFox
True, he should have tried the free agency market years ago. But you can't accuse the guy for not being loyal.
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