The first sign your team is in disarray is when the most exciting action is off the ice. When I think about the Maple Leafs these days, my thoughts aren't off Toskala glove saves or Wellwood dekes. They're of the dysfunctional upper management, the inexperienced general manager and the coaching failures. I should be focused on our under achieving wingers, swiss cheese defense and lack of good prospects.
Freddie P stole a bit of my thunder by beating me to the punch, but I'm blown away by Richard Peddie's admission to the Sun. Here's what Peddie said to Mike Zeisberger.
To be honest, it was a mistake on my part for not fully understanding at the time what the job of being (the Leafs GM) in this market fully entailed. Let's face it. It probably was the wrong place for a rookie general manager to start. I mean, all GMs make mistakes, but they are not under the constant microscope and scrutiny that you have in Toronto, which is, in our opinion, the top hockey market there is.
That is all hindsight now. John has had time to learn a lot since then.
Now read that quote a second time to ensure you've got the full flavour. Richard Peddie, President of MLSE, has admitted he didn't know what he was doing and hired the wrong guy. If we're going to make significant changes here, and we'd better be heading in that direction, I'd start with the removal of Peddie as President.
I still think JFJ should go, but let's start at the top. Peddie should be the first to go.
And please, God, if you're reading this, buried at the bottom of this Globe & Mail article about the Grey Cup ratings is a rumour John Ferguson, Jr. would be replaced by a committee made up of Mark Messier, Glenn Healy and Tie Domi. Have mercy on us, we've suffered enough.
