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

[Kevin]

There you go again Mr. Cox assuming the collective board of MLSE don't want to "win". A silly comment really since you are talking about a number of people at once. Unless you mean the Pension Fund in which case its another silly personification.

[habfan]

As the Leafs struggle to attain mediocrity has been ongoing for the past few years you can't blame the fans for equating an 8th place finish with "a shot at the cup". What's really sad is that management also has the same outlook and will spend and trade to maintain the Leafs place as the Chicago Cubs of the NHL. Too bad the Leafs aren't loveable.

[RRT]

The biggest problem with the board is that they haven't adjusted to the salary cap. It was one thing to outspend other teams and buy up free agents while trading away the future. How's Boyes doing these days? How can they be satisfied finishing seventh or eighth with a patchwork crew of overpaid under performers and bargain basement scrubs?
Toronto needs to improve its scouting system.

[Jack Poirier]

For 30 years I've been following the Leafs (I'm 35). Until this year, I've never cheered for this team to lose. I agree with you Damien, this team has to tank to get better. The Leafs don't have the scouting to turn a mediocre draft pick into a star in this league. After all, the Leafs are not the Detroit Red Wings. The team needs young talent, and lots of it. You never see teams that rely so heavily on veterans win championships. Look at the Wings, Ducks, Flames, Senators, Canucks, Devils - teams that build from within. The Leafs need to nose dive. They need new management and ownership, people with a vision and a desire to win. I believe it's going to take a couple of years of heartache to build a winner in T.O.

[Skipper McFee]

Uh, Damien...?

What are you talking about? Can you state precisely what makes you think you can "feel the impetus fading"?

I'm guessing...no. No, you can't.

But carry on.

[Les Scorn]

Why does the media continue to use "fans" to support their opinions? How does Damien Cox and the rest of his lynch mob know exactly what the fans want?

I've been a long time fan of the Leafs and I want nothing more for them to win a Stanley Cup. However I'm smart enough to know that there are NO GUARANTEES of this ever happening whether you blow the team up or not. Quit talking about "draft picks" when tanking the season only gives you a "chance" of landing a high draft pick ... and just because they could draft high does not mean they get the next coming of Gretzky.

So excuse me if I keep watching the Leaf games and cheering them on when they play well, I'm a fan of the Leafs and after a hard day's work watching a hockey game that features the Leafs is something I enjoy doing. I would be appalled if I knew they were tanking purposely.

Damien, you a long time basher of the Leafs but I'll bet you that if they ever win you'd be the first one gushing.

Stop thinking that you know what's going on in all Leaf fans minds (and I'm talking about the life-long supporters).

Forget about banning the Leafs, I think it's time to ban these media columnists that always try to stir things up for their own betterment.

[allan]

The leafs need to make changes regardless if thay win or lose. Watching this team reminds me of the Ballard years , when the team had no direction . the team needs to be cleansed from the top down. Peddie is as much the problem as Ferguson is. Also the team needs to get younger,and just because it gets younger doesnt mean it can't remain competitive . The owners are so scared they might lose a little money that thay can't bring themselves to make the proper changes.

[sb]

It amazes me how these journalists make statements like "Two wins and already you can feel the impetus for change fading", when they're the ones publishing all the stories. The only thing fading is the quality of reporting. FYI Cox - Leaf fans still want JFJ out the door. Two wins has not changed anything.

P.S. Congratulations on writing an unorginal story that dozens of other hockey reporters also wrote immediately after the shootout in Boston.

[Pete]

Ok, here is what I would do if I were Leaf's president ...

I'd call JFJ into my office and give him a one year
extension on his contract at around $500,000.

Tell him he is a lame duck manager and will most likely be
dismissed at the end of the season for signing too many
average players to BIG ticket contracts over too many years.

Tell the media that the team is not where we thought it
should be, and with the players we have, we should be
higher in the standings. We have full faith in JFJ and
Maurice and have extended JFJ's contract.
And that we will not be trading Mats Sundin.

The extension of course would be like a severance package and would provide temporary stability to the Leafs GM position and show to other execs interested in the job they will have management's support.

When the summer rolls around, officially dismiss JFJ and put up the 'GM Wanted' sign.

Any of the strong contenders that did not win the Stanley Cup will be in disarray and the Leafs might land a good GM from one of the losing teams' upper management. That is, deal from a position of strength.

DO NOT deal Mats Sundin.

We as fans still love Mats and expect some entertainment from our hard earned dollars.

If the Leafs offer Sundin to other teams, they will only give us garbage. And first round picks by Stanley Cup contenders will be #25-#30 overall and certainly not organizational changing players. These teams will look to extend Sundin's contract so we could not sign him again quickly.

Anaheim will NOT offer the pick they got from Edmonton as it might land them Steven Stamkos. Could you imagine Brian Burke missing on a chance to waive the next Steve Yzerman infront of Kevin Lowe for the next 15 years? Not likely. Besides, Burke has stated his dislike for deadline deals and last year only picked up Brad May.

If another team comes calling for Sundin offering garabage, offer them Kubina or Tucker instead.

Unfortunately in Toronto, the franchise can not shoot for 28th-30th place and get a franchise altering draft picks. First of all, no Scotty Bowman type of GM would sign up for that. Secondly, with a second rate GM, after a 5-game losing streak, the fans would wear bags over their heads and all radio stations would call for the GMs firing and, as seen over then past few weeks, they would get no support from ownership. Who would want to sign up for that either?

so it comes down to this:
While drafting is important, development is even MORE important.
Put young players in roles where they can succeed.

Mix in free agents that are not overextended or overpriced to give the franchise flexibility, only then is there a chance to win.

[Matt Mulder]

any thoughts to Glenn Healy comments during the flames game last night when he thought that sending Yelle, Warrner and Tanquay to the Leafs for Sundin

[Warren Jay Dulberg]

4 years ago, I was studying for my teaching certificate, and was sharing a house with a few other guys. One of them was a diehard Leaf fan, who had a few other friends who were Leaf fans. My beloved Red Sox had just won the world series for the first time in 86 years, and I was watching video clips of it. Someone heard one of the celebrating players say he was going to Disneyland, and started to make fun of him, and some of the other guys joined in. I turned to them and asked, "How does a Leaf fan qualify for an opinion on this subject?" The room went quiet, and then everyone changed the subject.

[Scott Summers]

Mr. Damien,

It’s hard to live in Toronto and not cheer the Leafs.

Can you please write an article about the board of directors and what kind of power structure do they have/share with a GM? If the board of directors can do a better job why do they need a GM? Otherwise give the GM all the powers require to make the team a winner. Stanly cup is more profit, in everyone's pocket, than an average team trying to make the playoffs.

I was hoping they would hire some sports writers to be in the selection comity so a good GM will be in the fold. I am not a big fan of Fletcher, he had his chance and he failed to deliver a Stanly-cup. Now they want to bring the same dog & pony show to Toronto?

The organization needs new young blood with some experience to backup. JFJ was not the answer from the beginning. I bet the boards of directors have a plan to fix the problem. I know they don't want to share it with the public, but can they hire some smart sport minds to review the plan otherwise another disaster waiting to happen.

Some GM doesn’t want to work for MLSE because of the Board of Directors. Some don't want to be scrutinized by the media and public. Find someone who can adept to this city life, have charm and charisma to attract talent.

No more long term contracts & no-trade clause.
If there is a Crosby or an Ovechkin to be had negotiate the contract to pay a percentage of the team-cap. Everyone will be a winner.

[Keiyan Sy]

I totally agree with you on this topic and actually its quite scary to see the Leafs start winning again, because then the ressure to make GOOD changes are gone. But at the same time, I am also afraid that they will do something rash and stupid and hire some flashy name like lets say...Tie Domi or Glenn Healy to be the next GM. What they really need to do is to bring in someone like Bowman to be the man in cahrge and have in bring in a guy like Jim Nill of the Wings. Now there is someone who knows his stuff, just look at all the guys they've drafted even though they finish ner the top of the standings every year.

Also, its so very sad and pathetic that so many fans think that if the Leafs can get into the playoffs then somehow they can pull off some upsets.

[Nadeem]

Damien, after reading some of the comments posted, I don't envy you. You're greatly misunderstood. I believe you're alluding to the fact the MLSE has decreased the pressure on Fergie/Maurice since the leafs have won 3 in a row, not the Leaf Fans, we still want to see the right moves being made, and I think by now we all know what that means, Competent management.
As for finishing last, its not about taking a dive and losing games purposely, its about trading your "Veteran players" for more suitable young players and picks and therefore end up last in the league this season, to give yourself the chance to rebuild by drafting high.

[Justin Risi]

Why why why? Just lose boys, even I am ready to tank this season!!! STAMKOS

[Dan D]

you must be in heaven right now cox... no matter what the leafs do - win, lose, drop 6 straight, win 4 straight, fire JFJ, keep JFJ, hire cliff fletcher, don't hire cliff fletcher - you're going to be able to put a negative spin on it. while i'm sure it makes your life easier, you should know that this constant negativity is quickly reducing what little credibility as a sports columnist you had left.

[Steve Barnett]

Yes you are correct Damian...As a matter of reference all you need to do is check the local media reports on last nites game in New Jersey. One report stated that Andrew Raycroft had a good game for the Leafs. Now is it just me or did he let in 3 crap goals?..the first was a pee-wee league rebound, the second one he was out of position (again) and the 3rd one he had his stick on an angle that meant if it didnt it Madden in the ass it probably goes in anyway. Did he have a good first period? Yep, but he stills lets in the garbage goal to deflate the team. Plus they are all going ga-ga because Jason Blake is playing better.How many goals last nite for Blake? Exactly- zero. Until Dick Peddie puts his ego in the closet and comes to terms with the fact that he knows squat about hockey nothing changes folks.Another thing that makes me puke is when your watching a game and the camera is on Maurice, look behind him and you see the smug, stuck up, look at me board members sitiing there like there is nothing better than this. And that is our real problem. The belief that they know what is right and we know zilch. Wont make a bit of difference who you bring in unless they have a Colangelo contract. I can just see Colangelo sitting at a board meeting telling Dick to shut up and just him how much money he has to spend...So until Dick is done so are we.

[smokey]

What nonsence to suggest that fans should not cheer or worse that the players should not try. Most of the people posting here are Leaf fans, win or lose and I doubt there are any board members advocating that they must lose.

The Leafs do have some good young talent and they are not so far away that a prolonged win streak might just get them into the playoffs. The alternative though to being just average if I understand you correctly, is to make major changes to the GM, the Coach and the Players. If that would be an acceptable practice then every team but the Ducks, Wings and Senators should blow themselves up.

Just check out the NFL....the Giants and average team is going to the Super Bowl. Damien, for once try to write something positive about the many fans who support our Leafs....geez, you aer earning your living off them.

[John Ansara]

Tell it like it is, Cox.

In the meantime, Leaf fans, keep lining up for the most grossly overvalued ticket in pro sports.

While you jam yourselves into the ACC and sit quietly as the Leafs do what they do best - masquerade as a real team - the Leaf organization is only too happy to reward your undying loyalty to a terrible product for the past 40 years by supplying your demand with more of the same.

Wake up and smell the Zamboni.