Now that the Stanley Cup playoffs have mercifully ended, I expect the Toronto Maple Leafs to introduce their new coach, Ron Wilson by the end of the week. The recruitment of Wilson was transparent for the world to see although the team has been very secretive about their search for a general manager. Well with the exception of Dave Nonis who supposedly was in Toronto last month for 3 days to discuss an assistant manager position. Yes it does seem strange that the Leafs are filling these positions before recruiting a manager.
So what is the significance of these two public potential hirings? Well it has been well documented that Ron Wilson and an ex-teammate from Providence College, Brian Burke, have been tight for the last 30 years. And Dave Nonis and his ex-boss, Brian Burke have remained close friends. Gee what a coincidence. Won't surprise me one bit if word gets out that Brian Burke's kids have been hired as ushers at the ACC or that his cleaning lady has relocated to Canada.
How convenient to have all your buddies in one city so that when your team comes into town you can visit with them all at once. Well, if only the Ducks were scheduled to play in Toronto next season.
And that contract extension that the Ducks put in front of Burke 5 months ago still hasn't been signed even though he declared Henry Samueli as the best owner in the NHL to work for. I guess the ball is now in the Ducks' court. I can't wait for Gary Bettman's reaction to this awkward and embarrassing "non-courtship" of an executive under contract with another team.
12 years ago
