A Fair Shot

Sometime this week Leaf camp will start. It just feels like it's already been going on for weeks.

For restless fans hoping that an 85-point season last year will grow into something more substantial this fall, that's good. For anyone who can't imagine anything more pointless than pre-camp workouts and rookie tournaments - isn't the point to see how they perform against hardened pros, not each other? - there's already a sense of can't-we-get-the-bloody-season-started frustration.

Will this season be different? With the Blue Jays having failed yet again to be a post-season club, and with the Argos nightmarishly bad and slippling off the radar screen, and with Raptors quite likely poised to be .500 this season because the NBA won't play at all, it is indeed up to the local shinny lads to demonstrate that the words "Toronto" and "playoffs" haven't become mutually exclusive.

For Ron Wilson to keep his job, that probably has to happen. After three seasons, the rubber surely will meet the road this season, and if it doesn't work out for the ascerbic Wilson, the last thing he'll be able to claim is that he wasn't given a fair shot.

No, he doesn't have the coach-for-life status of Barry Trotz. In fact, he doesn't have a contract beyond this season at the moment, status which some would argue compromises his ability to issue orders before work even begins. But while you may or may not like the job Brian Burke has done as GM, you have to acknowledge he has done everything possible to give Wilson a chance to succeed.

Burke has turned over the roster. He has brought in proven veterans, and he has brought in kids, both forwards and defencemen. He has addressed the goaltending, although it's worth pointing out the solution, James Reimer, was a JFJ draft pick who only got a chance because the hockey club was absolutely desperate.

Burke has changed the training staff, and this summer, he altered Wilson's coaching group, bringing in Greg Cronin and Scott Gordon to change things up, moving out Tim Hunter and Keith Acton. At the same time, different management people have been added over the years, giving Wilson different voices to work with.

There is nothing this coach could have asked for other than all-star players, and while Buffalo hopes overpaying Ville Leino will make him an all-star and the Rangers fervently believe Brad Richards was worth the millions, the reality is Burke's emphasis on trying to bring in talented youngsters - Dion Phaneuf, Phil Kessel, Keith Aulie, etc. - is a strategy more likely to pay long-term dividends.

Do the Leafs have enough talent to win? We can debate that, and quite probably it comes down to whether Reimer can be over an entire season what he was last winter. But we do know that clubs have made it to the Stanley Cup dance with less, and there are no excuses left for Wilson if he can't get this team into the playoffs.

Pro sports aren't fair. Hockey sure isn't. But this coach has been given a fair shot, and by a GM who didn't hire him. That's unusual in and of itself. 

 

Comments

[Ken Baumgartner]

Nice to see you writing about hockey again. I guess there will be one more story about tennis for you, once the US open final is complete. Hockey season is close.

Burke sure has made changes and Wilson has to step his game up if he wants to continue. I totally agree with you. I have been a Burke supporter from the bginning and I thnk this year will be pivitol for him as well. I hear so much of all the young players and prospects he has brought in but I can't help but wonder if it is really better or is it simply me being a delusional Leafs fan seeing everything through Maple Leaf blinders until the great December collapse. I want to believe, I really do. Thank goodness it is just a sport and it has no real bearing on my live, otherwise I am not sure my heart can take another dismal year in hockey. Winter's are cold enough thank you very much

[moe green]

Damien is Back!

That means hockey can't be far behind. I was utterly disappointed last season because I was convinced that with Reimer - this was a playoff team. For me the missing piece wasn't "missing" at all - it was the lack of the right leadership behind the bench. This year (hopefully the first half of this year) will tell the tale. I firmly believe that like last season's version, this team is easily capable of making the playoffs. This year Wilson needs to prove himself to the players and not the other way around.

Great to have you back and in "hockey mode" Damien!

[M Thomas]

I can't argue with Cox that it's put up or shut up time for Wilson, but that's been pretty obvious for a while. This one wasn't even worth printing. It's been said many times already.

I thought it was a little absurd for a man who makes his living milking every non-controversy and hangnail on the Leafs team to be bitching about rookie camp. At least with rookie camp he has the chance to make something up about things that are happening rather than just make stuff up using tarot cards.

[Mr.Raditch]

I think if you check the date of Wilson's arrival in Toronto, Burke was well into the throws of negotiating his move from Anaheim. So, I wouldn't be surprised if Wilson was brought on board with his blessing. Remember, Burke coming to Toronto was one of the worst kept secrets in the NHL.

[Conn Smythe]

They will make the play - off's if they a) improve their goals against average, (b) improve their power play and (c)improve their penalty killing.

[Chad]

Good article Damo. Unlike your counterpart over at The Sun, who's already so eager to point blame at Reimer if the Leafs fail to make the post-season, your focus is on the coach. And rightly so.
This team has more or less been completely over hauled since Wilson got here. With Reimer between the pipes (assuming he continues his great play), a solid defence in front of him (how can you not like Phaneuff, Schenn, Liles, Franson, and Aulie?), and a slightly upgraded forward contingent that's sure to be better then last year......if he still can't get these guys to produce, and more specifically if the PK and PP doesn't show great improvement, then he should be shown the door.

[othermark]

I hope Wilson is on a very short leash, ecspecially with Dallas Eakins waiting in the wings. I've never thought he was a good motivator (and yes, even the pros need motivation beyond a pay cheque). It should be abundantly clear very early in the season if the players have decided to tune him out and "he has lost the room" so to speak. At that point, Burke has to make a change quickly or we could see another spring of discontent in Leaf land.

[Matt B]

What concerns me is who can replace him once he is gone. I certainly hope the Leafs do well this season — I REALLY need to cheer for my home team in the playoffs instead of my pool players — but I'm not sure Scott Gordon will be the answer, even on an interim basis. Maybe Dallas Eakins, but he's unproven at the NHL level (please get the Marlies into the playoffs).

The others out there: Hitchcock, Crawford, MacTavish.... I just can't see any of them with the Leafs.

[Jerry Cantrell]

Hey Damien,

Do you have a vendetta against Wilson or something? Did he snub you on an interview or something?

[Buck]

Don't confuse me with being a Wilson fan (are there any?), but has Burke really put him in a good position to succeed? Leafs are weak down the middle and are mostly young and unproven on defense and in goal. Reimer will have to be great for them to have a chance. Putting the C on Phaneuf was a mistake, but I gotta think that was as much Burke’s decision. Somehow Burke has sold us hope because we are younger and that is certainly a plus. I support getting rid of Wilson, but because he is a jerk, not because he has been put in a position to succeed.

[Ralph Smith]

Dallas Eakins should be left in the minors with his hockey knowledge. He has a real talent for getting the young guys up and ready for the NHL. He deserves a chance but the only way the Leafs will succeed is if they have Eakins teaching the young guys who don't yet know enough to be in the NHL. Maybe in 5 years when we have a strong young core ready to make a run for the cup then Eakins should be brought up to see what he can do with the Pros.

[Colin W]

DC said: "With the Blue Jays having failed yet again to be a post-season club". Cheap shot. Did you miss the memo that the club had no such aspirations for this year?

[moe green]

@Jerry Cantrell

I think the majority of fans have a "vendetta" against Wilson. If I am honest, I would have to say that I think the few games without Reimer cost us the playoffs so I have a bone to pick with Burke too. That said, it is my firm belief based on watching every game last season that Wilson was directly responsible for another year without a playoff game. The buck stops with Wilson this year. If he can't find a way to get the most instead of the least out of this group of players it'll be retirement time for Wilson.

[Gary A]

well nice read Mr Cox and i hope Wilson can get these guys going right out of the gate. i like Ron Wilson and want him to succeed

[moe green]

@Mr.Raditch

Though it is no secret that Burke was on his way and there is no doubt in most fans' mind that Burke approved albeit silently the Wilson hire, technically, Wilson wasn't Burke's hire. Still "best friends" is the most likely reason that Wilson remained here last year. This year he will not be so lucky. I think Wilson was the main reason a guy like Richards (like him or not) didn't sign with the Leafs. Remember, 25% of players polled listed Wilson as the coach they would least like to play for. It says something.

[R of A]

This won't be easy for Mr. Personality. Hmmmm.....when Ron Wilson has been successful it always seems to be on a short term basis as in tournaments like the Canada Cup or the recent Olympics. I guess it must be tough being the smartest guy in the room all the time.

[Rick Baldesarra]

Hey Damien:
Do you really believe Burke "didn't" hire Wilson? Why don't you ask Burkie in private some time. Of course, he wouldn't admit that to you because that would mean he would be guilty of tampering. You're an investigative reporter, why don't you look into that. The rumours out there indicate that Burke did indeed hire Wilson and it was carried out as a favour and consummated by Fletcher. Burke got his man behind he bench from afar. All other coaches in similar situations got the axe but not Burke's buddy. Three years out of the playoffs and Wilson still has a job....no, Burke didn't hire him! Yeah, and the twin towers came down because the steel melted....sell it to someone else pal!

[Sean]

Special teams have been miserable on this team for years, but so has the goaltending. IF Reimer is good in goal, special teams will get better, and the Leafs will compete for a top 8 seed. Personally, I think Wilson will be re-hired for 3 more years and Burke will also re-negotiate an extension once the Leafs walk into the playoffs more comfortably than expected. This group has more chemistry than most people realize.

[KD]

"But this coach has been given a fair shot, and by a GM who didn't hire him." Maybe not, but how many coaches would also count their boss / GM as their best friend?

[redsignal]

Don't forget about Brian Burke. He will be gone shortly after Wilson if the Leafs do not get into the playoffs.

[billy]

This is the year Phil Kessel has to put up or shut up. This guy has to be an impact player. We need more then what he's given us. These 60 point, -20 seasons aren't near good enough. If he's not scoring, he has to be doing something else out there. If we get the same Phil Kessel this year, then we can say for sure that Boston won this trade hands down. Especially if Seguin improves.
And DC. The Blue Jays were a loser again. How can you dispute that point?

[Chris]

@billy, first of all I'll take consistent 30 goal and 60 point seasons any day. The Boston Bruins won the Stanley Cup last year and not a single player on their team got more goals or points than Phil Kessel. The closest was Milan Lucic who got 62 points (2 less than Kessel). The Bruins proved that you can have a competitive team without a superstar forward and if your goaltending is good enough you can even win a Cup. If you have great goaltending, good defence and four solid lines you can compete every night. With regards to Kessel specifically, people need to realize that the kid isn't even 24 yet. Because of the trade to get him he's seen as this established veteran whereas the reality is that he's still approaching his prime. When you look at all the top scoring wingers in the league you can't praise their accomplishments without acknowledging their linemates, particularly their centres. Alex Ovechkin has Nick Backstrom. Corey Perry has Ryan Getzlaf and Bobby Ryan on his line. Steve Stamkos (who is a centre) has Martin St.Louis setting him up, Dany Heatley had Joe Thornton. The reality is that Phil Kessel played most of last season with Tyler Bozak and Joey Crabb; even the great Ovechkin would have had a tough time with that kind of help. This year Kessel does have the opportunity to show he can be a 40 goal scorer. Tim Connolly and Joffery Lupul aren't Backstrom, Semin, Getzlaf or Joe Thornton but they're a massive improvement on Crabb and Bozak. Kessel is one of the best pure shooters in the league but he needs to work on his consistency for sure. But given that he was a top 20 NHL goal scorer without a true first (or true second) line centre and an an AHL winger I'd say that's very successful. In the end if all we get out of the Kessel deal is a guy who gets 30+ goals per year and 60+ points I can live with it. I'm not happy about it but I can live with it. It's better than getting nothing in return as very few players score 30 goals in a season.

[Dark Phoenix]

"I think if you check the date of Wilson's arrival in Toronto, Burke was well into the throws of negotiating his move from Anaheim. So, I wouldn't be surprised if Wilson was brought on board with his blessing. Remember, Burke coming to Toronto was one of the worst kept secrets in the NHL."

Um, I'd like to point out that Burke didn't actually step down as Ducks GM until two or three months after the season started, and Wilson was hired in the summer that year. If this really happened the way you're claiming, the Ducks would have been screaming tampering left right and center.