Okay, this is something that I must get off my chest. THE LEAFS CAN WIN THE CUP WITH A GM AND PRESIDENT NOT NAMED BRIAN BURKE!

Sorry for yelling, but I feel like it's something that had to be done.

The reports after Nonis' meeting with MLSE and the "search committee" of them thinking of offering him an assitant type role in management makes me sick to my stomach. It just shows the massive ego that this company has.

Instead of realizing that they can't take a Ken Holland out of Detroit or a Doug Wilson out of San Jose they go into "there's always next year" mode. How about going into the "doing things right for a change" mode MLSE. None of the final four teams left in the playoffs will be offering up their managerial staff so that excuse is out the window. This talk by Peddie that getting a GM in place before the Entry Draft or start of Free Agency isn't a big concern for them raises a massive warning flag already.

Now, since it seems like they are dead set on bringing in a big name, the only one that will be available is Brian Burke after next season. They can actually "wait" for Burke by doing two simple steps. So MLSE, takes notes, because I'll only say this once.

You hire someone who's available NOW like Dave Nonis, Colin Campbell, Doug Armstrong, etc. as the GM. You let them come in and build up their own staff. You name Cliff Fletcher as President. After next season wraps up you offer the President position to Brian Burke. Thus letting Fletcher either retire or give him an "advisor" or "consultant" role.

However, as I stated at the begining of this lovely blog, Burke is not the only man in the NHL capable of helping build a Stanley Cup contender and I personally would move on. I would by hiring Dave Nonis as the GM and bringing in Bob Nicholson as President.

I'm not trying to say I'm some managerial genius, but this whole Brian Burke and MLSE thing has gone on for way too long. It's time for MLSE to wake up, smell the silver polish and move on!

By the way, I'll be heading to my hometown of Kitchener this weekend to catch a few Memorial Cup games. You'll be able to read my thoughts and experiences Monday evening.



Take off,
Coco