According to TSN, the Maple Leafs have requested permission from the Vancouver Canucks to speak with former general manager Dave Nonis.
Nonis makes a lot of sense. He emphasizes player growth and development and doesn't jump the gun to try to acquire immediate results.
Nonis would understand that the Leafs are not a project which can be built overnight.
His unwillingness to take any sort of gamble was his ultimate downfall in Vancouver. They needed action at the deadline, Nonis hesitated to act, and the Canucks missed the post-season boat.
Nonis believes in the philosophy the Leafs desperately need to live by in their upcoming re-build. He will install a system dedicated to youth and player development, committed to making short-term sacrifices in order to achieve long-term gains.
Nonis' unwillingness to make long-term sacrifices despite outside pressure indicates that he's not about to be pushed around by hierarchy, even if it ultimately costs him his job. Fans, and maybe even ownership, were willing Nonis into a trade for Brad Richards, which would've cost him a top tier prospect (Edler) and a first round pick. He, quite rightly in my opinion, judged that the Canucks were not ready to be serious Cup contenders and it would therefore be wasteful to sacrifice a top-tier prospect and a first round pick for a short-germ gain. His vision was a Canucks Cup further down the road, and Aquilini made the wrong decision in preventing Nonis from seeing out his vision.
Nonis is not the big name GM some fans and pundits are looking for, but he's an available GM with the right mentality and some experience under his belt.
Meanwhile, Sportsnet is reporting that Bobby Clarke has expressed interest in the Leafs' GM position.
No comment.
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The chances of Paul Maurice sticking around past September were slimmer than a bowed string.
Beyond the fact that the Leafs never made the playoffs in his two year reign, the team's failure on special teams and inability to instill an effective defensive system clearly point to the fact that Maurice's tenure in Toronto was a non-success. Questions certainly surround his ability as a motivator after coaching such an inconsistent club for two seasons; one which seemingly didn't care for the majority of the season only to attempt the impossible when all was lost.
The Maple Leafs not only need a change in personnel, but also in philosophy and culture. Cliff Fletcher is clearly creating the optics of change that are needed at this juncture.
Out of respect for Maurice, the Leafs allowed the head coach the time to pursue other opportunities this summer, meanwhile clearing the path for the incoming GM.
Keith Acton, an 8 year assistant coaching veteran with the Leafs, will remain with the team for the time being, likely to assist the new GM in the evaluation process. It will be up to the GM-to-be to decide Acton's fate afterwards.
Maurice must be applauded for the class he portrayed during the everyday grind in Toronto, particularly the manner in which he dealt with the media. He was unquestionably a great orator for the organization and if all else fails, he could certainly pursue a career as a diplomat. Although I'm sure Maurice will land on his feet someplace. (I'm betting Ottawa, any takers?)
I could also easily see him slipping into the executive suite or public relations down the road if he ever tires of howling from the bench. He understands the league, its players, and most importantly how to manage the media.
It was simply time to move on for MLSE - and two play-off misses speak for themselves.
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Randy Ladouceur and Dallas Eakins have also been dismissed, while Keith Acton will remain with the team for the time being.
Eakins has been offered a non-coaching position within the organization.
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May 06 - UFA Wish List
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