At first, MLSE president and CEO Richard Peddie didn’t want to touch the question. But we explained to him that often we’re asked by friends and acquaintances why Toronto Maple Leafs general manager John Ferguson has managed to keep his job.
We usually reply “who would you like to replace Ferguson?” That usually results in a blank stare. So we asked Peddie if one of the reasons why they haven’t made a move on relieving Ferguson of his duties has been because they don’t have a strong replacement candidate in mind.
“To answer that question, people will speculate that I have considered it,” Peddie said. “So I will talk about it generically and I would like you to stress that. Please don’t use my quote out of context.
“Someone once said to me that all the good ones are taken by July 1st, whether you’re talking coaches or general managers. Even the good free agents are taken within a couple days after July 1st,” he added. “The good ones are taken.
“People get recycled in sports not because they are bad, but because they’re still good. It just didn’t work out for them or they got tired in their situation, so they become available again. Teams need those people in place and the good ones are quickly grabbed up.
“But you’re right teams should not be looking to fill these positions at this time of the season.”
It should be noted here that Ferguson was hired in Aug. 2003.
Of course, we have our favourite candidates if the MLSE board decides to give the boot to Ferguson. Former Leafs pro scout Craig Button “helped build a Stanley Cup Champion and a perennial contender in Dallas and built a Stanley Cup contending team in Calgary on small budget. Detroit Red Wings assistant GM Jim Nill, who can’t escape to another under his current contract, is another strong hockey mind and GM in waiting. Former New York Rangers GM Neil Smith would be a good choice or even bring in Hockey Canada president Bob Nicholson in as a president and let him make the hire. Others we like include: the recently retired Steve Yzerman, Pittsburgh Penguins assistant GM Chuck Fletcher or Vancouver Canucks vice-president Steve Tambellini.
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