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Bowman denies offer to top Maple Leafs tree

DAVID SHOALTS

Globe and Mail Update

Latest comment posted at 8:55 PM EDT 04/08/07

Coaching legend says he hasn't received an offer to be named club president, but sources say the deal could be on ...Read the full article

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  1. gord winters from Canada writes: toronto deserves a decent hockey team
  2. Montgomery C. Burns from Springfield, Canada writes: MLSE sweetened the offer when Dale Lastman offered to throw in a brand new sofa from Bad Boy.
  3. Alberto Bayo from Canada writes: Don't do it Scotty...you'll regret getting involved with the laughing stock of the NHL
  4. Jim Hope from Saint John, Canada writes: It wasn't too long ago that Scotty Bowman was offered the job and he said that he was being loyal to the Detroit Red Wings. He said that they have treated him well and he owed it to them to stay there.

    I guess as the saying goes 'everybody has their price'

    It would be interesting to know the salary offer that is on the table.
  5. R. Carriere from Maritimes, Canada writes:

    WOW! The right person for the right team at the right time!

    Toronto deserves only the best, and Scotty would surround himself with superior people and have the respect of the NHL clubs.

    He is a proven winner, and knows how to evaluate and treat talent of different eras , ( Guy Lafleur, Gilbert Perreault, Mario Lemieux, Jaromir Jagr, Steve Yzerman) and knows how to adapt to today's game.

    He will make the most brilliant Collangelo coup for MLSE look minor in comparison. A proven winner with NINE Stanley Cup RINGS with 3 different teams? Now how good is that??

    With respect to Fergy junior, perhaps he can still be of use with his lawyer knowledge of the CBA but I doubt it! CBA Capologists are a dime a dozen-hockey people are not.

    However, look for a complete house-cleaning and a new slate. JFJ made many rookie mistakes and actually turned the clock back on the great Leafs franchise. Look for Bowman to right the ship QUICKLY!

    To my Maple Leaf friends, this is the best news you have had in the last 40 years!
  6. Alberto Bayo from Canada writes: On the eighth day God created Scotty Bowman...as they say in Montreal.
  7. Eric MacKinnon from Canada writes: It would be a tremendous benefit to Toronto to obtain the services of Scotty Bowman. Their standing will almost certainly improve under his leadership. It has always puzzled me as to how the Montreal Canadiens could have been so shortsighted as to let Bowman leave their organization. His departure initiated the team's fall from glory to mediocrity.
  8. Limbo Land from Canada writes: Wow, that is a an amazing pick up for rthe leafs, not such a great move by Scotty. It just goes to show, everyone is human and we are all prone to mistakes. Good luck Scotty, you are going to need it.
  9. Teacher David from Not a hockey town, China writes: Hummmmmmm... now the increase in the price of game/season tickets makes sense.
  10. Retsil Sayya from Canada writes: So much for the 'new' NHL. The more things change the more they stay the same!
  11. True Grit from calgary, Canada writes: Maybe now tToronto will start to spend like the large market team it is.
  12. Robert Pike from Kitchener, Canada writes: Strange.... most people like going out on a high note.
  13. Michael Allen from Vancouver, Canada writes: The Leafs were very lucky to get Paul Maurice as a coach. The people who live and die by the numbers don't get it, but he is a tremendous asset. The cost is far too high if Maurice goes. Paul Maurice will be snapped up by another team in a heartbeat, and he will be yet another one that got away. And Scotty might be just another tired retread brought in for too much money and far higher non-money costs. This is boardroom egos tearing the team apart. Sad to watch. After 40 years, my loyalty will move with the coach.
  14. Brian Kates from Canada writes: Isn't it too early for April Fools?
  15. Terry Terry from Brantford, Canada writes: Scotty you're got a chance to retire with class -- stay with Wings. The Maple Leafs and dismal management go together too well. (The ability of MLSE makes ziliions of dollars as easliy as falling of logs is due to geography, not acumen.)
  16. Bob McDonald from Canada writes: As president, can he replace all of the hockey staff - including the GM? If yes, good news!!!!!
  17. Scot Loucks from Pickering, Canada writes: If this is true... it's great news.

    Look what happened to the Raptors once the MLSE board of directors got out of the way.
  18. matt carter from Waterloo, Canada writes: Scotty Bowman was a great hockey man in the 60's, 70's, 80's and early 90's. As for 2008 and beyond...I'm not so sure. What I am sure of, is that firing Paul Maurice would be a huge mistake!! If Tannebaum's plan to hire Scotty and let him clean house by firing Ferguson and Maurice fails in 2 years - then he and Lastman should resign. Which begs the question? When will MLSE be 'blown up'? I'd let Ferguson forge ahead for the 2007-08 with his FA's and draft picks. If MLSE wanted to make a change it should have been made well before the draft - not 2 months before the season begins.
  19. George Hall from Canada writes: BOWMAN WOULD BE A GREAT BET FOR THE LEAFS.
    I don't think Peddie is a whole lot better then Harold Ballard..although a nice guy I don't think Ferguson has a plan....Muckler would be bad news for the Leafs....Ottawa doesn't even want him....
    Give Bowman 3 4 or 5 years and see how things are looking.
  20. Eric S from Guelph, Canada writes: Wow, I honestly don't know what to say. Obviously Scotty is a great catch, but if it means sacrificing Maurice - who (albeit didn't make playoffs) did an alright job as coach and the best is yet to come. Good riddance to JFJ though.
  21. S R from United States writes: can we get a team in hamilton so we dont have to deal with this crap.
    who cares who in senior management , 40 years of bad hockey and high prices and blue blood attitude. we deseverse better
  22. Scot Loucks from Pickering, Canada writes: Don't believe everything you read.

    I believe Bowman demanded that he be able to clean house if necessary.... that doesn't mean Paul Maurice is gone, it means Bowman wanted the power going in.

    Can't blame him for that.

    I like Maurice.... he can only deal with the players he has.

    Guess we will find out by the end of the week.
  23. JP M from Canada writes: Make no mistake. Whether you love him or hate him, Scotty Bowman is a winner, and will do what it takes to turn this troubled franchise around. That he didn't accept the toothless offers that MLSE made earlier speaks volumes of his knowledge of what it will take to make this franchise a winner once more. Regardless of my personal thoughts on Maurice, if Scottie thinks he's not the right man for the job, this is one hockey mind I am happy to defer to. My only concern is that this is a rumour with no identified sources, and that we may all be getting our hopes up a little too high....
  24. The Radish from London, Canada writes: My impression was that previously Bowman turned down the job of adviser because it gave him little or no actual control of hockey operations. If he actually took the job of president and was given free rein (and considering Bowman's record and the salary cap he should get it) he could pretty much rebuild the organization however he saw fit. I don't think rebuilding a somewhat disorganized team in (sorry but it's true) the biggest hockey market in the world into a contender would be a bad way to finish off a legendary career like his.

    I don't think anyone can question Bowman's record or his hockey judgement, if given the chance he will surround himself with very good people. Who in hockey wouldn't want to work with him? He has always brought class and high standards to every organization he's been in and has spent a long time with the Wings who have always seemed to be a model of good management in the NHL. I have no doubt that the Leafs would be better off with him in charge.

    For those loyal to Maurice, Bowman might keep him, or if previous rumours are true he might replace him (with Igor Larianov?), either way I'll trust Scotty's opinion on that. Personally I'm still not sold on Maurice even if he hasn't had much to work with so far.

    I will be very, very happy if Bowman winds up taking the job. Whether he cleans house or not he gives the team credibility and as we've seen in London with the Knights, good management lures good players. It would be nice to see Leafs management working with an actual plan and to be confident that they have the hockey minds to pull it off. At the very least Leaf fans would feel that the ownership is actually trying to build us a winner.
  25. Dijer Dije from Ottawa, Canada writes: A Hockey Hall of Famer becoming the latest puppet for the MLSE board... don't do it Scotty, no matter the money they offer you it isn't worth it.

    Don't be another chair on the deck of that ship already at the bottom of the ocean... it will take more than the ability to clear house to bring it back to the surface....

    Stay in Detroit. They enjoy success!
  26. Mike Berezin from London, Ontario, writes: It appears Richard Peddie still wants to be in charge of the hockey operations.

    So why would a hall of famer like Bowman want to come here just to take orders from a former Pilsbury cookie salesman?

    The Maple Leafs are a joke. Until they go on their own with one owner whose main goal is to win the Stanley Cup, instead of the MLS Cup and NBA cup, they will flounder in lala land.

    Whats Jim Basille's number again?
  27. george simko from Canada writes: Why is it necessary for Toronto the center of the universe,to go looking
    for their answers by hiring somebody born in Quebec? Is it because of
    the 24 Cups Montreal have won. Universe of hockey,indeed.That goes
    for the Wings,the New York teams and espically Edmonton. All pretenders
    to something that never left Montreal.
  28. Pat Billings from TO, Canada writes: Scottie can't reverse the deals that were given to McCabe, Gill and Kubina. He also can't make Raycroft a legit goaltender or slow down Sundin's rapid aging process.

    It's funny that the leaf (self-proclaimed center universe of hockey) constantly has to reach out for talent bred out of Montreal (ie. Dryden, Pat Burns, Gainey and now...Bowman) to bail them out of their 40-yr old mediocrity. How embarassing?
  29. Richard Daystrom from Toronto, Canada writes: Scotty, WHY?????? If Peddie is still in charge of the hockey operations, then you're going to look as brilliant and effective as Isiah Thomas (current mgmt not player), Harold Ballard and Matt Millen rolled into one. Don't ruin your reputation with the biggest mistake of your storied career.
  30. Mark Lanovaz from B.C., writes: No Scotty, noooooooo!!!!!.Don't sully your reputation.
  31. jake and pete from Canada writes: I think Scotty likes a challenge and the Leafs are all that. While Scotty is getting up there in years, when I listen to live interviews on sport's radio he is right on his game.
    A couple of months ago Scotty, on radio, told us why the Ducks would win the cup. Brilliant insight to the game and the makeup of the players and team chemistry.
    If you Toronto fans really what Scotty to be next 'GM' look out for huge changes. First trade would be Sundin and McCabe for?
  32. Bergeil DeBungie from Victoria, Canada writes: To: Scotty, best of luck, Leafs suck!
  33. Brad B from Canada writes: Muckler proved his senility thankfully before he got hired!
  34. Michael Fusco from New York, United States writes: Keeping JFJ was the only reason for interviewing Muckler in the first place, not deciding to keep or replace him.

    If I rememeber, the idea of cleaning house came up when Bowman was first approached after the season. So I think that whoever made this stuff up used that fact.

    Anyway, Peddie is the President. Wouldn't hiring Bowman make him a replacement for Peddie?

    It seems to me that what is mentioned in the article is for sure a lot of nonsense, whether we would like it be true or not.
  35. lemmi winks from Toronto, Canada writes: Scotty coming to Toronto? Well if so, the gods have finally answered.

    The salary cap has limited a franchise with deep pockets that could in seasons past just throw money around and cover for mistakes and bad drafting, but it hasn't restricted them from securing possibly the best hockey mind out there.

    With the aquisition of Mr. Bowman, the Leafs will be able to develope from the top down for the first time in a long time.
    He should be given carte-blanche to run the club as he sees fit, but I do believe he would probably work well with Paul Maurice. Paul has enough humility and an open mind to see the addition of Bowman as a great mentoring opportunity. I believe Scotty would see in Paul a prospective protege who is still young enough and flexible enough to be guided.

    Scotty simply knows how to win. He can take the current assets he has and can discern in the most subtle detail the strengths and weaknesses of the group and make the changes to find synergies and improve the overall performance of the team.

    Yes with the aquisition of Bowman the Leaf franchise will have secured the most valuable asset available. He will be the diamond capstone in a franchise that will finally raise from the depths of ineptitude.
  36. R. Carriere from Maritimes, Canada writes:

    Someone is out to lunch with this story:

    today TSN: http://tsn.ca/nhl/news_story/?ID=215506&hubname=nhl

    Legendary NHL coach Scotty Bowman is denying reports that he is on the verge of becoming president of the Toronto Maple Leafs, saying he has not had any recent contact with anyone from Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment.

    'I have not received an offer from the Leafs, and I don't expect one either,' Bowman told TSN in an e-mail.
  37. Mike Baker from Dublin, Ireland writes: Et oui ... Sammy Pollock's greatest living disciple ... pourquoi pas?

    For the first time in 40 years, the Leafs are that close to hiring someone who has touched greatness ... Nine times!!!

    Atela, atela, atela, les ex-Canadiens sont la!! That ought to give Harold Ballard's bones a good rattling!
  38. Adam Y from Toronto, Canada writes: Peddie has got to go.
  39. Won Hung Lo from Canada writes: It's not written in stone yet that he's coming. If he is that's great. When and if he gets here, two things he must do after firing JFJ, is #1 send Kubina to the Marlies to free up 5 mill. 2 Send McCabe packing most likely to Island Girls. He'd love it there. Maybe get some toughness(Witt, Reiger, young prospect and big, maybe Sillnger too). While everyone should be happy it ain't gonna happen overnite.
  40. John O'Meara from Canada writes: Bad idea. Scotty Bowman is a truly great hockey coach, but was not successful at managing in Buffalo, because he couldn't resist interfering with the coaches. It would be the same think in TO I'm sure. But maybe that offer of a free couch from Lastman will be too much to resist.
  41. Lee D. from Mississauga, Canada writes: If you're old enough, this has the same aroma as Punch Imlach's second go around under Harold Ballard. If you are not old enough, it was Imlach who traded Lanny McDonald, which lead to the trade of Darryl Sittler. And the REAL Dark Ages began.
  42. Mike Berezin from London, Ontario, writes: You're right Lee D.
    Punch Imlach was solely responsible for starting the Leafs franchise on the road to ruin.

    The Leafs were only a few years removed from knocking off the Islanders, yet Imlach comes in and guts the franchise of its heart and soul players.
    Brilliant move.

    Another low point was when Ballard basically forced Geroge Armstrong into coaching the the LEafs because nobody wanted the job. Not even Armstrong!

    What an embarassment those times were. Ballard was so afraid to fire Imlach that it took a heart attack by Imlach to get him removed as GM. Or he'd still be here!
  43. Montgomery C. Burns from Springfield, Canada writes: Lee, I believe that's an unfair comment. Scotty is perhaps the greatest hockey mind that existed. His work with the Wings has kept them competitive over the years. I don't think that the Wings have made any stupid trades over the years or signed any of their players to ridiculous deals.

    The Leafs are another story. If the Leafs cement their place as non-playoff performers it will be as a result of interference from MLSE, not Scotty Bowman.
  44. Montgomery C. Burns from Springfield, Canada writes: Also, my theory about Punch Imlach is that the brim of his hat had shrunk over the years thereby cutting off the blood to his brain.
  45. John Stevenson from Buffalo & Burlington, United States writes: Great move....just what the Leafs need. Bowman is a brilliant hockey mind with unquestionable credentials...9 Stanley Cup rings! If anyone can bring change and credibility to the Maple Leafs, it's Scotty. He will surround himself with the best of the best in the hockey world. Certainly, the Leafs are a big mess to clean up...might take a year or two. I'll bet they do not miss the playoffs this season and that the Leafs will be in the Stanley Cup finals with in the next 4-5 years. JFJ is a goner for sure as Leafs GM...he might make a good assistant GM somewhere to finish out his apprenticeship. Maurice is a good coach with knowledge of the Leafs minor pro players and system. He has some value. Look for Bowman to ice a team of veterans who know how to win and have the desire for a Stanley Cup before retirement. That will mean a coach that has a proven track record of handling super star egos. Unfortunately, that probably is not Maurice as good of a coach that he is. Muckler would make a great GM. Not sure he and Bowman's personas could fit into the same room even though they most probably would be on the same page re: hockey issues. In any case the Leafs future is much brighter with Bowman on board. It's about time for the Leafs to emerge from forty years of darkness and folly!
  46. Kevin Dooley from Canada writes: The article indicates that this would be seen as a victory of Tanenbaum over Peddie and Ferguson. While I think that turfing Peddie and Ferguson (for ANYBODY) would be the first step in improving this team, this does point out the real essential problem with the Leafs organization: it's a political cesspool of deceit and treachery. No wonder we can't attract better people. Frankly I think that Tanenbaum needs to go too, because he's clearly a large part of the problem. Clear out the entire back office. Change the carpets and the curtains and the pictures on the wall. Then start over with a few people who know anything at all about hockey. Bowman would be an asset if he could spearhead such a coup d'etat.
  47. Harvey Mushman from cambridge, Canada writes: Some may think that the Maple Leafs are in the business of hockey...they aren't. They are in the business of selling hope to the masses, like the preacher selling eternal salvation. Good move on their part to at least start the rumor about Scotty coming to town...more hope, hope, hope for the gullible fan. If he does show up it will then usher in the latest 5-year plan for hockey supremacy, beginning with Scotty cleaning house and 'retooling.' Meanwhile Peddie and the rest of MLSE sit back, count the dollars and laugh all the way to the bank.
  48. Lee D. from Mississauga, Canada writes: Monty C......remember a time when Bowman ran the Sabres? He was fired for bad choices. And he had Roger Neilson runnung the bench, and still couldn't make it work.
    As long as Peddie & the Teachers are involved, it makes it hard to be a fan. Bowman is not the answer in my opinion.
  49. george simko from Canada writes: Pat Billings from Toronto.
    How embarrassing that you play that you continue to play the race card
    issue. If I in any way suggested this you have my apology. Presently,
    i don't have the time nor the inclination to persue this any further.
    Hopefully, when time permits your name will register and we can continue
    with our differences.Until then,regards from the city of 24 STANLEY CUPS.
  50. J. Mac. from Canada writes: Time for a sing along

    Old McShoaltsy had a farm
    EE-I-EE-I-O

    And on his farm he had a source
    EE-I-EE-I-O

    with a sorce-source here
    and a source-source there

    Here a source, there a source
    Everywhere a source source

    Old McShoaltsy had a farm
    EE-I-EE-I-O
  51. Mason Storm from Toronto, Canada writes: Alberto Bayo go back to selling your coconuts on the beach and leave the business to MLSE. The Leafs may be what they may..but 'laughing stock' they are not. MLSE knows hopw to make $$$..i.e. The raptors, Toronto FC, and The Leafs. Who cares win or lose..this league is so diluted of talent that one year the Duck's win the cup and the next year they don't even make the playoffs! That's entertainment!
  52. Montgomery C. Burns from Springfield, Canada writes: Lee, I agree in that Bowman is not the answer as long as Peddie and Teachers are running the show. But if Bowman is hired as president, say buhbye to Peddie.
  53. Montgomery C. Burns from Springfield, Canada writes: Mason, if hockey was just about making money the Leafs would be the undisputed champs. There is still some sport left to it and competing for the coveted Stanley Cup concerns many of us fans.

    Seeing that many of Leaf Nation have incorrectly predicted the Cup to be hoisted down Yonge Street, while in fact the Leafs have been out of the playoff picture for the past two years, does render the Buds to be a laughing stock.
  54. True Grit from calgary, Canada writes: george simko, any cups Montreal won before 1968 do not count. It is not hard for one team to dominate a 6 team league.
  55. J. Smith from Canada writes: Scotty still works for the wings, he ain't going to the leafs unless he is looking for a challenge. The team he works for is commited to winning, while the other is commited to making money. Not Scotty's style.
  56. pete s from rockysaganiukville, Canada writes: I think Rocky Saganiuk would be a better choice. He's a legend....except for that 3 goal season in 79.
  57. DAVID W GILLIS from Dundas, writes: Just another eroneous report from an uninformed journalist . Why does Shoalts even get space in your paper ?
    The only hockey person who has an interest in this so called 'advisors' job has been Cliff Fletcher . No one in their right mind would even consider this job . Either you let JFJ do the job or you find somebody who you believe can do the job .
    Until then MLSE will continue to be the laughing stock of hockey , Thank goodness the Provincial and Federal Governments keep giving Mlse sweetheart deals for arenas and condos , without that money saved , MLSE would never be able to pay Leopoild the extra $30 million he is giving up by selling to local interests ,to keep a team out of Hamilton . In two years Nashville will be in the same situation , nothing changed . No support !!
    Yes we taxpayers get wizzed again while Rome (Toronto Maple Leafs ) burn !!
  58. Lee D. from Mississauga, Canada writes: Monty C....sorry, but I disagree. The Teachers hold the puppet strings, and as long as MLSE is profitable, nothing will change. And having said that, Bowman is not the man in my opinion.
  59. Jeff K from United States writes: How could this be true? Bowman has got to be lying. I no he's lying. The Globe and Mail always researches their stories and verify's their facts. Therefore, Bowman's got to be lying through his teeth. Even though he emailed TSN that he hadn't been contacted, he's got to be a bald face liar to write that to TSN, when the most thourough ethical print writers say otherwise. Long live the straight forward, fact filled articles from the most ethical writers in the world. Keep up the good work and anyone who doesn't believe everything the Globe an Mail writes should be flogged!!!!
  60. Patrick Smith from Markham, Canada writes: "IF" this is true (and obviously we're talking about a very, very big if- this could well be some fantasy from a 'well placed source'), it would be good news, mostly just to finally have an adult running this club. Get rid of JFJ, tell Peddie to go roll around in his big piles of money, and let Bowman run the hockey side of the operation.

    As for Maurice, I think he's done pretty well all things considered.

    I'll believe it when I see it.
  61. Haywood Jablowme from Canada writes: I am a Leafs fan and would love Bowman to come to the Leafs--but it ain't going to happen. Bowman already has enough money, the sticking point would be power. Bowman would want to be able to answer to no one and there is no way in hell the MLSE's board will that happen.
  62. Johnny Red from Canada writes: This will NEVER happen.

    The only way the Leafs will win a cup is if they replace JFJ. The only way JFJ will get fired is if Peddie & Co get fired. Peddie & Co will only get fired if they fire THEMSELVES, and that won't happen.

    It hurts to be a Leafs fan.
  63. Neil no more last name from mississauga, Canada writes: Hey uhhh...to all the posters talking like this deal has happened, it hasn't. I don't think it will happen either. Scotty is too smart.

    And he can barely skate, anyone ever see or hear that???
  64. Gideon Goldshlager from Canada writes: Bowman's too smart to join the MLSE circus.

    How many positions can they create? Maybe they'll make me Vice-President. No, wait... JUNIOR Vice President.

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