Well, Ummm, Maybe Not

Two wins and already you can feel the impetus for change fading.

This is, after all, the Maple Leafs. They don't want to win, not really, but at the same time, they'd rather not have the entire city hating them.

Something in between, the mushy middle, is what has made MLSE what it is today.

So if this thing gets to a comfy .500 level over the next two weeks, not impossible, then you can expect more nothing.

No second coming of Cliff Fletcher. More JFJ at the helm with the executioner's axe pulled back to, oh, about an inch from his neck.

Which means opportunity may once more be ignored. Which means the opportunity to draft high this summer may go out the window if the club can manage to finish, oh, 10th or 11th, certainly possible if the decision is made not to have a fire sale before the trade deadline.

Hey, knowing this hockey organization, it might TRADE AWAY its first round pick to another team in order to pick up some veteran and take a last minute run at eighth in the east.

Leaf fans, I think, are coming to understand this. They know the best chance for change and real improvement lies in this season going right down the tubes.

If that doesn't happen, well, the mandarins of MLSE can say, "Well, ummm, maybe we don't have to change a thing. And the fans sure are cheering loud again, aren't they?"

The dynamic is the same, and every win this team picks up over the next few months takes it further away from ever ending its Stanley Cup drought.

Comments

[Jonny Diamond]

Where exactly do you get the sense the feeling is changing? Can you cite a single concrete example? Leafs fans—in bars or in the stands—may indeed cheer when their team scores a goal, but this seems a little bit like a case of a columnist manufacturing a topic. Granted, that's a tried and true journalistic maneuver—just look at American politics—but it seems a little beneath you Mr. Cox.

[Jimmyboy]

And that's the delicate balance among Leaf fandom these days, isn't it? On the one hand Leaf fans want to see their team continue to win, whereas on the other they know it's ultimately meaningless, that a severe spanking awaits from somebody at some point because this team is simply not good enough to compete with good teams and must be on its very best behaviour to defeat mediocre teams. I would like to see the Leafs continue to win only to increase the value of whatever assets they do have--like a Sundin--and be able to maximize the return on that equity at trade time. But, as you've said, each win brings the playoffs closer and the team further away from doing the right thing.

[A-Mar]

maybe having a resurgence this year (to finish within mediocrity again) would be ideal... it sets the Leafs up for sucking worse next year and having a shot at Tavares...

[Sanj]

If the Leafs start putting a few wins together then yes it will be status quo.

Everyone will start thinking hmmmmm.... if we can make 8th place then we can beat Ottawa because we always beat Ottawa. Based on ancient history of course.

Some of the pro Leaf media will hype the Leafs chances of making the playoffs and possibly being a threat. If Toskala gets hot, watch out!!

The Leafs will make the standard trade, young prospects and draft picks for aging veteran that can hopefully put them over the top. Oh yeah, can't forget the 5 year no trade contract.

The Leafs will then miss the playoffs and all the fans will say that we were jobbed by the refs, or if we had just won that game earlier in the season, etc, etc.

Then management will feel the pressure of signing a big free agent during the free agency period and sign someone who more than likely won't pan out. Oh yeah, can't forget the 5 year no trade contract.

Yeap. Been there done that. Same old, same old.

[Warren]

Damien,

If you're so smart, and seem to have all the answers. Why don't you apply to become the Leaf's GM?

[Reesie]

It's hard to NOT cheer for your favourite team, despite all the turmoil. Last week I sort of hoped the Leafs would lose all 3 west coast games (and they did) because I thought it would cause management to start making moves. Then, Tuesday, I found myself cheering on the same bums I've been cursing most of the year, as they battled hard to win that game against Carolina. As much as people say, "time to blow this team up and start from scratch," I still find I can't help but cheer for them each night they play.

[mark]

I've bad mouthed you in the past Damien (even told you once to get a pair)...but this time I am so on side you. MLSE (and the sheep that support these clowns) need to start thinking about one thing and one thing only: Stanley Cup. As long as MLSE and their sheep are satisfied with middle of the pack...that's exactly where they will end up. A plan with a horizon that extends beyond the next gate receipts would be refreshing.

[ron]

Yes Damien, and only a few weeks ago we went 5 out of 6 and the nation was in awe. Perhaps if John was given full charge he just might accomplish good things. If he does not have any power then it's just as well if they hired me. The possibilities are endless it seems. No one, no one at all has the correct answer. Everyone are just critics and just has questions.
Toronto oh so much pressure. The team is desired coast to coast.
CHEERS from St.John's.

[Pat]

It's a sad state of affairs when hope lies in a first round slaughter at the hands of the Sens. Leaf fans will even lose their ability to boast how they can always beat the Sens in the playoffs. Fletcher will be a huge mistake ... but then again look who MLSE have entrusted to do the hiring (insert Peddie here). Scotty Bowman and John Muckler have 15 Stanley Cup rings between them. You would think one of them is qualified to be President of Hockey Operations. I have to say I am impressed with the team Muckler transformed in Ottawa before he was dismissed. Maybe having him here would be extra incentive to knock those Sens off the top of the mountain.

[Brendan Cahill]

Whoo hoo, two wins in a row. We're on our way back! The team is fine, management is fine, it's finally working. The worst is over, whatever doesn't kill a man etc. We don't need to trade anybody away, except maybe Mats for some cash or a proven veteran who will make the difference in the storybook playoff run that will be decided by one final goal! Then we'll go to Fallsview Casino! MLSE is the most profitable, (therefore best) sports managment company in the market.

P.S. I'm just kidding, I'm a Habs fan cradle-to-grave living here in toronto and I'm laughing my ass off these days. Been telling the die hard laffs fans at the pub changes need to be made and they ignore me. Ha Ha Ha!!

[Jim S]

You are absolutely correct!

Enough said!!!

P.S. Keep up the great work.

[ROB C]

Damien doesn't like Fletcher as a GM candidate to replace Ferguson. Cliff has won a cup, taken two mediocre Leaf teams to conference finals in record time (right after they were considered abysmal failures). He was also managing a team (St.L) before JFJ was born - and took them to the finals twice against the habs. He traded away picks for talent in an era when it was smart to do so as long as you had deep pockets to acquire talent through UFA. Cliff is no dummy and he knows this team needs to stockpile picks. (C'mon Damien, you're smarter than that!) JFJ was with the Sens when they were a joke - then he left. He was with the Blues when they were a joke, then he left. Oddly enough, both teams got better a few years later. Go figure. Bring Cliff in to clean this puke up.

[mimo70]

Until Richard Peddie comes to his senses and realises that he doesn't know what he's doing, this Leaf team is going nowhere. Mr. Peddie, please, hire someone who knows how to patiently and smartly build a winner and leave him the heck alone. You have proven yourself to be a poor driver - let someone else have the wheel and we'll save you a seat in the back.

Now, do I think that Mr. Peddie will read that - no. But I wanted to say it anyway - it makes me feel better.

Mr. Cox, I have been a Leaf fan all of life and it pains me to see so many silly, band-aid solutions being proposed/made year in and year out. How can so many people create so much failure and yet continue to believe that they know what they are doing? It is truly one of sport's great mysteries.

[sackman]

Upon reading the "TRADE AWAY ..." section of this post should make us laugh. Sadly, it hits so close to home, that it made me sad.

[Pat]

Damien,

I agree with what you say (basically the Leafs need to tank in order to have a chance at Stamkos and to reap rewards from trading Sundin, Hal Gill, etc.)

Unfortunately, I don't think you can ask a team to deliberately lose. I think the NHL would have an issue against organizations icing non-competitive teams or losing games intentionally. It would undermine the entire sporting culture and would be no different from supporting the notion of sports-fixing. (Hey - that's a concept for the teachers pension - make more money by sports-fixing!)

These Leafs may be close (in terms of restricted talent) to the likes of the Gary Leeman/Ed Olcyck/Vince Damphousse era, but I'm convinced as individuals and a team, there is a lot more pride. You have to commend them on that.

[steve conti]

Damien:

you are so right again. MLSE and its quest for 500 hockey. That is what leafs fans have had to endure since MLSE came into power, not quite, almost, we are close and what other trite nonsense phrase they want to use. If this is all that can satisfy the "mecca of hockey" 500, almost, not quite, then we deserve all that mediocrity brings, no cup since 67, 41 years and counting.

[Richard Dram]

I couldn't agree with your article more. The Leafs management are a direct reflection of their fan base.
Which is an Arrogant , impatient , delusional animal that looks itself in the mirror after a few days and only sees visions of grander and fantasies that this could be the year they win it all. while in reality they are a hiatus ugly beast that no one can stand and destined to be a loser. It will take more than just scraping off that over priced and over rated make up off their face . They will have to take the whole head off and start over and it will take years to rebuild. That's the attitude that got them where they are now. wait until next year..if we just trade our first round draft pick for this guy we can make the playoffs, if we sigh this guy maybe we will make the playoffs, we know we have to over spend on this guy but we have to keep him around he's from Ontario and loves to play for the leafs.etc...
The only way to win is build your team in the salary cap era is through drafting and developing young players ... they have done neither.It is well known in hockey circles that they have the worst bunch of young players and prospects in the league.
I can't say I'm sorry with this all happening as I'm no fan of the Leafs and their absurd nation .

[JOHN ROOKE]

Its the same old story with the Leafs.
All that they have to do is win a few games and the moronic fans just keep coming back for more.
Let's face it, the Toronto Maple Leafs have been and always will be a marginal if not poorly managed organization.
As long as they sell out to stupid, naive and loyal fans, they will contnue to do poorly.
Fans, boycott the team. They are crappy.
Buy the way, just watch Larry T raise ticket prices again in the spring.
LEAF FANS, GET A LIFE.

[JOHN ROOKE]

Its the same old story with the Leafs.
All that they have to do is win a few games and the moronic fans just keep coming back for more.
Let's face it, the Toronto Maple Leafs have been and always will be a marginal if not poorly managed organization.
As long as they sell out to stupid, naive and loyal fans, they will contnue to do poorly.
Fans, boycott the team. They are crappy.
Buy the way, just watch Larry T raise ticket prices again in the spring.
LEAF FANS, GET A LIFE.

[Rob Zinck]

Well said,How quickly Leaf fans forget what is so obvious.We SUCK plain and simple.But like any other time,win a game or two and all is forgotten,the parade route is being planed and yes we should trade our 1st round pick for an over the hill vet to help us win the cup.Now that have you attenion Leaf fans...Wake the hell up and smell the coffee!! We are not going anywhee with this current team.Oh boy lets make the playoffs and for what?Guess who is waiting for us.Thats right,Ottawa and they will destroy us.Blow up the team and trade away as many overpaid,under acheiving bums as you can for draft picks and lets rebuild.Hell its been 40 yrs whats 3-5 more.Nuff said.

[Scott Allardyce]

I don't understand the argument that the leafs are comfortable with a sub 500 record. I believe they are close to the salary cap, that indicates to me that they are spending money. The problem lies in two areas with this organization:

1 When selecting free agents the leafs historically pay top dollar for minimal talent. This demonstrates a lack of proper scouting and information about potential free agents during the off-season.

2 Mr. Ferguson has a bad habit of providing for no trade or movement clauses in some of the bigger contracts on the club. This ties his hands to do anything to improve his team. Players are assets and if you can't move assets to gain other assets then you are dealing with liabilities.

[Roberto Calazar]

Are you suggesting the players tank the games to finish last and hope for the 25% odds of winning the lottery come through? I can imagine the articles from DC on that one.
They are what they are, a middle of the pack team that dropped to the bottom when they had to play that sieve Raycroft.
They cannot win the Cup, they likely cannot win a round of the playoffs unless they finish 5th.
They are mediocrity defined.
But to suggest the idiots that run the team do not want to win, unless you have evidence otherwise, is tiresome and unfounded.
They just don't know how to do it.

[Conn Smythe]

I don't care if they keep winning - there still need to be changes.

But maybe they if they make the play - off's (and lose in the first round) they can begin their GM search at the right time.

[Dave]

From a business perspective, the Leafs are all they should be: a money-making machine. The law of the market dictates that if you are making a profit, you are meeting the demands of the market. Anything else is superfluous. Based on market theory, therefore, the on-ice performance of the Leafs is superfluous and so are Leaf fans. It doesn't matter to Richard Peddie and the MLSEL Board if the team wins or loses. If it did, they would do something. The only hope, short of a new owner who wants to win, is that negative publicity associated with a laughing stock of a team will motivate the Board to act in order to spare themselves further embarrassment.

[Earl Nelville]

Having anyone within senior management at MLSE recognize the need to pull the plug and blow this team up is not the answer. Forget it. I've said time and time again that it doesn't matter one iota whether you blow the team up or not. We still have the same idiots running the show and doing all of the reassembling. You can reconstruct this team every single year for the next 20 years but if Mr. Peddie and Mr. T have anything at all to do with the reconstruction, its going to be an incredible mess.
These guys don't even seem to fathom how much of a joke they are. The educated fan is not on the backs of the players or even the coach for that matter, although they do have to carry a large part of the load for this year's version of the annual MLSE Hockey Horror Get-Richer show. The problem lies with Frick and Frack in the head office and there isn't a damn thing any of us can do about them.
Suck it up leafs fans. Raise that banner to the rafters again, that has on it the real leafs vision, 'Maybe Next Year.'