Leafs fire general manager Ferguson

Habsfan84 · January 22nd, 2008, 01:36 PM

TORONTO (Reuters) - The Toronto Maple Leafs fired general manager John Ferguson Jr. and appointed Cliff Fletcher in his place on an interim basis, the NHL team said on Tuesday.
The team has been struggling to pull out of a tailspin that threatens to put it out of playoff contention for a third successive season.
"After full consideration of the Leafs' situation, it has become clear that change and a new direction is needed," Richard Peddie, president and chief executive of Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment Ltd., told a news conference.

"Regrettably we did not win enough games and reach our goal of winning the Stanley Cup. Our team performance has fallen short of what has been expected."
Fletcher, who was the Leafs' general manager from 1991 to 1997, will take over the role as interim general manager with full autonomy until a replacement has been found to fill the dual role of president and general manager.
"I would like to thank Richard and the board for making me the custodian of the keys for a period of time, and I look forward to the challenge and a few tough months ahead," Fletcher said.
"I know that here in Toronto the expectations are high, and the key is to initially start the process to move the club ahead to the next level so that it can compete with all the top teams in the league."
Under Ferguson, who was appointed GM in August 2003, the Leafs missed the playoffs for the past two years. They have a record of 19-22-5-3 this year and sit in 14th place in the Eastern Conference.
Overall under Ferguson, Toronto had a combined record of 145 wins, 110 losses, 10 ties, 13 overtime losses, and 17 shootout losses

GLG · January 22nd, 2008, 05:59 PM

So basically, in a nutshell, it's this:

JFJ is gone.
Maurice is still here for now, and likely until this summer when his contract is up.
Fletcher is only the INTERIM GM for 19 months. (does not want to be the GM long term).
Peddie, Gord Kirk (also just brought in) and Fletcher will help choose the next GM within 19 months.
Fletcher will become a consultant for the Leafs when the new GM is hired.
Peddie will supposedly step down as President, but no word as to when and nothing was said about looking for a new one.
Fletcher supposedly has "carte blanche" to take the team in any direction he deems necessary, despite the fact that Peddie is not fired at this time.

I can't say this was a surprise, but I do think they got the wrong guy. Peddie is the one that needs to go. Reports state that Scotty Bowman was courted for Leaf duty, but Peddie wouldn't give him the full control he wanted, and hence told him "no deal."

"No deal" to Scotty Bowman???

Peddie needs to go. Moreso than JFJ did.

January 22nd, 2008, 01:36 PM	#1 (permalink)
Habsfan84 Senior Member Join Date: May 2007 Location: Canada Posts: 3,598	Leafs fire general manager Ferguson TORONTO (Reuters) - The Toronto Maple Leafs fired general manager John Ferguson Jr. and appointed Cliff Fletcher in his place on an interim basis, the NHL team said on Tuesday. The team has been struggling to pull out of a tailspin that threatens to put it out of playoff contention for a third successive season. "After full consideration of the Leafs' situation, it has become clear that change and a new direction is needed," Richard Peddie, president and chief executive of Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment Ltd., told a news conference. "Regrettably we did not win enough games and reach our goal of winning the Stanley Cup. Our team performance has fallen short of what has been expected." Fletcher, who was the Leafs' general manager from 1991 to 1997, will take over the role as interim general manager with full autonomy until a replacement has been found to fill the dual role of president and general manager. "I would like to thank Richard and the board for making me the custodian of the keys for a period of time, and I look forward to the challenge and a few tough months ahead," Fletcher said. "I know that here in Toronto the expectations are high, and the key is to initially start the process to move the club ahead to the next level so that it can compete with all the top teams in the league." Under Ferguson, who was appointed GM in August 2003, the Leafs missed the playoffs for the past two years. They have a record of 19-22-5-3 this year and sit in 14th place in the Eastern Conference. Overall under Ferguson, Toronto had a combined record of 145 wins, 110 losses, 10 ties, 13 overtime losses, and 17 shootout losses __________________ FanHome Members Remember to Keep Posting on FanHome [where fans connect]. Guests Please RegisterFor Access to a Great Forum

January 22nd, 2008, 05:59 PM	#2 (permalink)
GLG Moderator Join Date: Nov 2006 Posts: 180	So basically, in a nutshell, it's this: JFJ is gone. Maurice is still here for now, and likely until this summer when his contract is up. Fletcher is only the INTERIM GM for 19 months. (does not want to be the GM long term). Peddie, Gord Kirk (also just brought in) and Fletcher will help choose the next GM within 19 months. Fletcher will become a consultant for the Leafs when the new GM is hired. Peddie will supposedly step down as President, but no word as to when and nothing was said about looking for a new one. Fletcher supposedly has "carte blanche" to take the team in any direction he deems necessary, despite the fact that Peddie is not fired at this time. I can't say this was a surprise, but I do think they got the wrong guy. Peddie is the one that needs to go. Reports state that Scotty Bowman was courted for Leaf duty, but Peddie wouldn't give him the full control he wanted, and hence told him "no deal." "No deal" to Scotty Bowman??? Peddie needs to go. Moreso than JFJ did. __________________ FloydianLeaf / Leaf_Fan_4_Ever 1969 - 2007 R.I.P. Michael. Shine on, you crazy diamond.