Naming Names

Ideally, the Maple Leafs would have the pick of the litter, the very best hockey minds in the world clamouring to work for them.

But that's just not the way it is.

Moreover, to get one of the really big names - Brian Burke, Lou Lamoriello - they'd have to wait until June or July, and this thing's going downhill faster than that.

There are quality hockey people out there, available today. Even Pat Quinn, as utterly laughable as that may sound. Then again, this is an organization that brought back Punch Imlach, Carl Brewer, Mike Pelyk, Wendel Clark, Doug Gilmour for second go-rounds, so it's not like the stupidity of bringing back Quinn would be out of the MLSE strike zone.

So who would you get? As a new GM, or president, or coach?

Here's a list of some hockey people to ponder:

FORMER PLAYERS: Steve Yzerman, Ron Francis, Mark Messier, Al MacInnis, Doug Gilmour, Glenn Healy, Tom Kurvers, Steve Larmer, Kris King.

AGENTS: Don Meehan, Brian Lawton, Mike Liut.

COACHES: Randy Cunneyworth, Greg Gilbert, Bob Hartley, Mike Kitchen, Don Lever, Barry Melrose, Pat Burns, Pierre Maguire, Brian Sutter, Craig Hartsburg.

EXECUTIVES: Neil Smith, Mike Murphy, Colin Campbell, John Muckler, Scotty Bowman, Mike Milbury, Bob Murray, Mike Barnett, Doug Armstrong, Jim Nill.

So who do you like? Or is a quality name missing?

Here's the sad part. The Leafs had a glorious opportunity to bring in one of the NHL's best managers, Bob Gainey, back in 2002. Ken Dryden tried to squeeze Gainey into the job, but Quinn, with his own political agenda to advance, blocked it, and the rest is history.

And not very pleasant history.

Comments

[Pat]

Well Damien I am glad you did not mince words. Some may say the words were not harsh enough. One person I would like to see coach the Leafs is Pierre Maguire. He sure talks a very good game when working on TV. I would love to see if the proof is in the pudding with him. As for Leadership in the Hockey department, Peddie has got to go. We need a Hockey person of experience. John Muckler as president and GM for starters with Steve Yzerman as an assistant GM he can groom for the full time position to finish the job. Between the two there are plenty of Stanley Cup rings. John has to be given his due credit for the Senators success last year. In two years he transformed them from a team perceived as soft losers to Eastern Conference champions. It's not the Stanley Cup but it is a very good start. Have to get there to at least have a chance to win it.

[Saunders Porter]

The one name that Damian has seemed to skip by is Larry Robinson who had a relatively successful period with the N.J. Devils . Some of those listed in his column probably have seen better days elsewhere and would not be able to stand up to the scrutiny of the Toronto media.

[James Blacker]

Hi Damian: In any avenue of business, hockey or otherwise, performance is considered everything. Executives are judged on the product they create and how successful they can market it. It is now clear that performance has very little to do with how executives of the Toronto Maple Leafs are measured. Over the years the satisfaction the organization has displayed with mediocrity is almost unparalleled in professional hockey. Although the environment where Maple Leaf Hockey is played is unique, and would allow even a novice to turn a profit, think of what could be if the Toronto Maple Leafs were actually a successful hockey team. As you have mentioned in the past, there is no question that the influence the Teacher's fund has on the team is profound. No other team in the league is able to operate with such lenience. This lenience I suggest, filters down from the teachers fund, through management, all the way down to the players. How else can we explain so many mediocre performances by Leaf teams, year in and year out. Changing management or changing players will, in my opinion, never effect the product that is being put onto the ice for the fans to watch. Obviously the teachers fund is not going to give up their strangle hold on the Leafs in the very near future. It will take a team president willing to make it a personal commitment of his, to put his reputation on the line and turn the entire organization around. It must be a new president with a mission to take the Toronto Maple Leafs franchise to the heights of its potential both off and on the ice and become the number team in hockey and seen as such by everyone around the world.

[Ken]

What about Dave Taylor?

[Tom Beshoff]

I'd hire somebody on an interim basis and then hire Ken Holland, whose contract is apparently up. If not available, I'd go after Neil Smith. Can't believe he's worked only 43 days (with the Isles) since leaving the Rangers. The Leafs should NOT hire an unproven commodity though. That would be REALLY stupid (even in an organization known for stupid moves)

[D Burns]

I think we can eliminate some names from Damien's list pretty quickly. Yzerman isn't leaving Detroit; Bowman has no interest in un-retiring. Doug Gilmour, Mark Messier, Ron Francis, and Al McInnis don't have enough experience yet to take over a GM role, let along GM with the Leafs.

Neil Smith and Colin Campbell both have great credentials for a big market. Neil has built one solid contender, Campbell knows the league workings backwards and forwards. They'd be viable. McGuire and Healy would be interesting choices, altough McGuire wasn't very successful as a coach and his players hated him; not sure if 'Keenan-lite' plays in the modern NHL. For the same reason we can ignore Bob Hartley.

I can't see Pat Burns, Pat Quinn, Mike Kitchen, or Mike Murphy coming back to Toronto. Too many failed returns to MLS&E over the years to have any confidence this would work again.

Surprisingly, when it comes down to it there's not alot of choice out there.

[chris]

Given how MLSE runs the hockey side, it wouldn't suprise me in the least to see Larry Tannenbaum appoint his good friend Tie Domi to the role of general manager and vice-president in charge of hockey operations, with Pat Quinn brought in as a special consultant with enormous power. That would guarantee the Leafs wouldn't make it to the Stanley Cup finals, much less win it, for the rest of the 21st Century.

[Sandy T.]

It doesn't matter who's brought in for what vacancy - until the ideology and priorities of the upper echelon change, it will remain more of the same. This era's front office is just Harold Ballard redux with more interfering suits.

Today's Leafs are no more than an HD reflection of whichever pitiful edition of their eighties brethren you might wish to pick. Hopeless with no visible upside and no cure in sight. Been there, done that. I refused to buy the t-shirt then and I sure won't pay inflationary prices for this newer version.

[J Cray]

I hold Paul Maurice responsible for the poor play of the leafs. Andy Wozneiwski is simply not NHL caliber He couldn't play sound defensive hockey on a beer league team. Maurice sends down a beautiful skater in Strallman that with good coaching could really be exceptional. But instead we see Wozneiwski out there with McCabe late in the game,with predictable results. It seems that Maurice has his little pet in Wozneiwski as he was quick to blame Kaberle for the late game bonehead pass that cost us again.It appeared in the brief time that Strallman was up, that he had the strong skating and ability to move the puck safely out of his own end but obviously he is not a coach favourite. Maybe if Strallman pinches more at inopportune times,rips one authoritatively into his own net or fires one over the glass late in the game he will get rewarded by Maurice with more ice time.P.S. Can someone at CBC let P.J. Stock know that if he wants his own show he might be qualified to headline the new romper-room.

[Matt]

Don't bring in another rookie GM. Keep Messier and Healy and any others without experience away from power. Larmer is the only one I'd go near.

Take Doug Armstrong if you're going to do the chopping now. If the firing comes in the summer, then go after Ken Holland or Colin Campbell.

I wonder why Bill Watters name isn't on Damien's list. I'd be okay with him, but insiders like Damien would supposedly know if he'd be even interested.

[Mike Hoyle]

Damien - I read your article in the paper today and for the life of me cannot understand why it took so long for you to write it. Richard Peddie must be the first to go as he has to assume responsibility for creating this mess by hiring a GM that clearly wasn't qualified in argueably the largest hockey market. They must hire must be a competent knowlegable hockey person more concerned with the on ice product than covering their collective butt's. It's unfortunate that a Burke, or Holland isn't available but they must make the changes now. Would a Bowman/Yzerman combo be a possibility?

[Paul in T.O.]

Out of that lot, I'd take Stevie Y (won't happen) or Neil Smith -- the same bright exec Pat Quinn helped disparage via a certain executive editor at a Toronto tabloid. That the tabloid and exec editor groveled in apology and still got sued for suggesting Smith failed a "psyche test" with the Leafs is interesting and indicative of both the weak nature of sports reporting in this city and the political backstabbing that happens in the hallowed halls of Leafs Inc.

As is always the case with the Maple Laffs, look at what might have been had they hired Bob Gainey or Scotty Bowman and let them run the hockey dept. without interference from the boiler suits and their assumed marketing brilliance.

All this losing truly is the passion that unites us all. Non?

[Jay Broderick]

Former Players:
I don't think you'd go wrong with either of Yxerman, Francis, Messier, or Healey. All great Hockey minds who are going to be the future of Hockey management.

Coaches:
I'd love to see Brian Sutter. The rest I could without.

Executives:
Neil Smith and Colin Campbell top this list for me. I think Muckler and Bowman are well beyond their years, although I don't take anything away from their knowledge... the ultimate would be Brian Burke though. There's the guy the Leafs need!!!!

[Bal Virk]

Hi Damien, love your column. I think its about time the Leafs front office got shaken up. Bringing in some fresh energy like Glenn Healy and Mark Messier would be a great idea. They may not have the experience, but they definitely have the knowledge. Or even the Colin Campbell/Steve Yzerman combo is intriguing. Either way, these changes would legitimize the front office and show that the Leafs want to do better than keep pace with the rest of the NHL (which right now they aren't even doing). I would prefer young executives like these two combinations over old-timers like Scotty Bowman or John Muckler.

[leon petersen]

what about cliff fletcher the last real g.m. with any success or go with jim nilll and bring that red wing winning perspective to the table.

[Peter Lee]

Why is it that the Leafs keep talking about bringing back former players who have absolutely no management experience? Bringing in an experienced general manager for his name sake is simply setting that person and organization up for failure. Experience in the industry is probably the most important hiring criterion, so why should hiring a GM for the hockey team be any different? In fact, I would put forth the arguement that it is even more important in this scenerio due to high visibility and pressure of working for TML.
Go get the right people with experience, pay them well and support their endeavours. The formula for success isn't new, MLSE simply needs to execute on the plan!

[Mike Churcher]

Damien, the status quo is preferable to the names you suggested.
Healy/Messier is incredibly off the wall as are the other names on your list. Unfortunately, I don't have a suitable name for GM...this may have to wait until after the season. Perhaps Neil Smith on an interim basis to be reevaluated after the season. His job would be to collect draft picks and create cap room.
Peddie must go as must Fergie and Maurice. Fergie for his mistakes in attempting to acquire a first rate goalie which has failed. Ed Belfour and maybe even Curtis Joseph would be an improvement over our present goalies.

To me, Antropov is as close to an untouchable as anyone on the Leafs, although he isn't appreciated by the local fans which isn't surprising as they aren't very smart fans.

Maurice is not getting enough out of the team. The leafs team lacks skill and depth, but Pat Quinn got a lot more out of his players than Maurice has. I'd hire Pat as coach, interim or permanent.
As far as GM, I'd only hire a first rate GM with experience. That means Burke, Lamorello or... perhaps Clarke, but he would never leave Philly. I'd throw a boat load of money to get Burke...make it an offer he can't refuse.
Whoever is hired must be committed to strengthen the team through the draft.....which means draft picks should not be traded. This could take 3-5 years to build a respectable team. How long did it take Ottawa....with all those high draft picks?

Fergie should have saved his job by trading players he has signed for not performing up to expectations, or sending them with their fat contracts to the minors. Even Lamorello has made mistakes like this....remember Alex Mogilny? Acknowledge your mistakes and move on.
Raycroft was a huge mistake.....waivers....minors....move on. Same with McCabe.
This season is lost so lets plan for the future.

[Paul Batte]

Mr. Cox, these ideas are innovative and thought-provoking, but clearly do not fit within the mindset of MLSE.

Until the sheep (aka Leaf Fans) wake up and stop buying the MLSE Leaf product out there, there will be no fundamental changes in this organization. Certainly no commitment to win.

For this Xmas, I wish I knew how many of the Leaf fans out there plan on buying someone they know, or have on their wish list, some Maple Leaf marketing product. How many $200 jerseys does MLSE sell in a year. How many of those ridiculous car flags? How many Leaf pyjama sets?

People may not want to give up their season tickets (though I cannot fathom why anyone would purchase tickets to watch such horrible hockey. Maybe they do to cheer for the other team.)

But there is nothing stopping people to refuse to buy all the other crap associated with this organization. When MLSE sees a drop in the bottom line, then and only then will they react.

Oh, and thank goodness Gainey came back to the Habs and not Toronto.

[Ben]

I suppose you should include Hall of Famer Cliff Fletcher on the executive list. He's no older than Bowman and Muckler and is a former team President. How about Fletcher as President, Healy as GM, Burns as Coach and Wendel Clark and Gilmour as Assistant Coaches? A nostalgia trip for sure and it would certainly get people's attention. Wouldn't be any worse than the current situation but then again might not be any better. It's an interesting idea to ponder.

[Duncan Hall]

Scotty Bowman as President in charge of Hockey Operations, Jim Nill as GM and Pat Burns as coach.

[Clark]

Messier?..............NO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

He's a floater since 94'.

Yzerman? NO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Brian VanDyke]

The ideal candidate,would be Scotty Bowman. But this hockey genius is a shade too smart to sign on with the current executive structure.

Richard Peddie must not have any input with the hockey team whatsoever, who ever is hired.

This team needs a proven player evaluator, not reguritated members of the Old Boy's Club or unproven former players.

Barring Scotty Bowman, David Conte, Executive Vice President,
Hockey Operations/Director, Scouting for the New Jersey Devils.

Over the last 10-plus years, his teams have picked very late in the draft, due to their competitive record.

Yet time and time again, they have developed many quality players from within by drafting smartly with those late-round picks.

They draft late and they are always a contender.

This is the work of David Conte.

As a Leaf fan that can no longer even watch a game, I hope this guy's name comes up as a candidate and is given an opportunity.

Just look at his record.

[Rob Furlong]

Hey Damien,

It is time for a change. You didn't mention Craig Button. How about Button as an assistant GM in combination with either Ronnie Francis, Messier, or Yzerman.

As for a coach it has to be one of Pat Burns or Brian Sutter.

One other question... can Glenn Healey play nice? Or as GM would he be a one-man tyrant?

[mark]

I can't say who I would prefer, but I can say who I wouldn't. No more 'learning on the job' candidates. Healy? Give me a break. Does having a loud mouth on TV make him presidential material? Messier as a GM? Well, as much as I respect the Moose, he's not the answer to this question. Guys like New Jersey Lou would eat him for breakfast. Get someone who has experience (and I mean recent experience, no dinosaurs please) as Pres & GM (combined), then let them find a coach. I'd bring Burns back as coach in a heartbeat.

[Greg Smith]

I have been a die-hard Leaf fan for over 40 years, along with my late dad & late brother. The other time I recall the situation to be as bad as it is today was when the league expanded from 6 to 12 teams.
It's obvious to the mass as to where the answers lie to the Leafs woes, but like many I question the Ownerships zero knowledge about hockey. This is, as you mentioned a few times, the root of the problem.
I will echo what other fans have suggested of bringing in Scotty Bowman as President, giving him free reign to hire a gm & coach.
My concern is JFJ has caused a lot of long term damage, signing duds (McCabe, Blake, Kubina) which will limit what the new person can do.

Greg Smith
Terrace, BC