John Ferguson Jr Fired
It's a good day for Leafs' hockey! President and CEO Richard peddie stated this morning: "After full consideration of the Leafs' situation, it has become clear that change and a new direction is needed,'' stated MLSE President and CEO Richard Peddie at a press conference held at the Air Canada Centre Tuesday. "Regrettably, we did not win enough games to reach our goal, winning the Stanley Cup.
"Our team performance has fallen short of what is to be expected. Today, we need to forge the start of a new beginning for (the) Toronto Maple Leafs. And we begin with the man seated next to me, a man with Hall of Fame credentials, who is highly regarded by Leafs fans and by hockey people around the globe. We have reached out to Cliff Fletcher and his 50-plus years of hockey management experience to serve as general manager of the Leafs on an interim basis."
VIDEO OF THE FLETCHER HIRING
Fletcher has no desire to be the long-term GM. He will lay the foundation for when a full-time GM comes in. He has basically signed a 19-month contract. Fletcher stated that in 2 weeks they will know what direction to take with the team.
Fletcher stated that Paul Maurice will not be fired this season.
Fletcher didn't say much about the situation on Sundin except to say that he would "Do what's right for Mats" as he has a no-trade clause, and is the leader of the team.
Peddie stated that Leafs ownership never "overrides decisions made by their GM"
Ferguson reflected that statement in his interview. I have a hard time believing that Ferguson didn't see this coming and that he 'blocked it out his mind'. Lies. That or he's completely clueless.
I have more opinions on where I think Fletcher is going to take this team, but I'll wait for that until tomorrow.
Wow, what a day in Leafland. What are Ferguson's chances of being an NHL GM again? He sure tried to sell his services in his interview.
T Tags: John+Ferguson+Jr+fired Leafs
Labels: Leafs
3 Comments:
Well, I approve. I'm not happy though. JFJ didn't deserve to be treated the way he was, despite all his missteps. He was hired in way above his head and I feel for the guy.
If Peddie had been kicked in the butt around the block a couple times, then I would have been happy.
Hopefully Fletcher can make some smart moves to relieve the pressure on the situation. I'm not counting on it, and I wouldn't be surprised if the situation slides back into the "GM by committee" bullcrap that JFJ was saddled with.
Now just blow up the friggin' team and start fresh! Get us set for the Tavares sweepstakes next year!
Right on! With Fletcher back it's time to get our (the Flames) revenge for the Gilmour trade. Something along the lines of: Sundin, Steen, Kaberle and Antropov for Nolan, Conroy, Warrener and Hale.
That sounds like a fair deal to me!
James: Peddie was getting hammered by the media about rumored 'over ruling' GM decisions and he flat out denied it. He did say that in major deal situations they would meet about it before a deal was done. Was he lying? I think any GM that takes the job in Toronto is in over his head. And the pressure from all sides to "WIN NOW" is always going to be there that much more in hockey-mad Toronto.
Matt: Ha! Fletcher loves Toronto. He'd never do a favor for your silly-assed team! :) By the way, you really don't want Kaberle. He is a defensive liability. Oh and Nolan? Ha! Remember his tenure and exit out of Toronto???? What a shitbag.
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