TORONTO (May 1) — Three days passed between missives from the de facto information director of the Toronto Maple Leafs, Elliotte Friedman. On Tuesday, Friedge reported that Mats Sundin and John Chayka were finalizing arrangements to become president and director of hockey operations. This morning, the bulletin on Sportsnet was that the Maple Leafs were denied permission to speak with Tampa Bay general manager Julien BriseBois, architect of the 2020 and 2021 Stanley Cup champs. Throughout the 72–hour span, there was nothing about the Leafs — crickets — from TSN. The playing field is so slanted that our country’s first and longest–established sports TV network has incurred paralysis. It seems to not have a prayer as it pertains to the executive search by the Blue and White. And, how often has anyone said that throughout the 42–year history of the channel — home of such hockey media icons as Bob McKenzie, Gord Miller, Pierre LeBrun, Darren Dreger, James Duthie and Jeff O’Neill?

This is not to be critical of the parties involved. Friedman works for the TV network owned by the Leafs. So, obviously, selective leaking of information will go through him. As such, when the likes of Chris Johnston and Dreger commented on the Leaf situation this week, they were playing catch–up. There was nothing about the executive search on TSN’s website. This doesn’t entirely preclude that someone other than Friedman will ultimately break the story. A person at Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment could sing in the wrong ear. But, it’s most unlikely.

The local newspapers (the Sun and Star), not surprisingly, have been lap dogs, merely repeating and supplementing Elliotte’s information. The Globe and Mail hasn’t mentioned a word. Sadly, this is the not–so–new normal for reporters and commentators that cover our country’s most–popular team. Has been since the Competition Bureau of Canada — its chore, allegedly, to “protect and promote competition for the benefit of Canadian business and consumers” — chose to look the other way when the country’s two all–sports networks obtained 75% of MLSE.

FOR MANY YEARS, BOB McKENZIE WAS AT THE APEX OF HOCKEY “INSIDERS” THAT FOLLOWED THE NHL. TODAY, THERE IS ONLY ONE — ELLIOTTE FRIEDMAN AT LEAFS–OWNED SPORTSNET. 

At least, during much of that period, there was quasi “warfare” concerning the Leafs between Sportsnet and TSN. Nothing of the sort exists today, after TSN’s parent company, Bell, sold its 37.5% share in MLSE to Rogers for $4.7 billion. With Ed the Conqueror in complete control, now, of the Leafs and the careful tidbits of information that are leaked to Sportsnet, no other media outlet has a chance. The losers, as always, are fans of the hockey club, who can seek pertinent information from only one source (so much for the Competition Bureau and its comical maxim). As such, everyone in media waits for the next words spoken or written about the Leafs by Friedman.

Otherwise, the approach evidently being followed by MLSE is typical of the corporate nonsense that has dictated hockey strategy for too long. Sundin and Chayka have direct connection to Tie Domi, who has always had the ear of MLSE minority owner Larry Tanenbaum. Domi and Sundin were long–time teammates in Toronto while Chayka was GM of Arizona during two of the three seasons that current Leaf Max Domi skated for the Coyotes. Add in Neil Glasberg, who’s “search” agency represents a number of managers and coaches in the National Hockey League, and it’s all kind of fishy. Elliotte didn’t mention whether BriseBois was targeted before or after Chayka entered the picture. If prior, why hasn’t MLSE closed the deal on Sundin and Chayka? What’s the hold–up?

Undoubtedly, the biggest red flag is that Chayka and Auston Matthews developed a friendship in Arizona. If Chayka agrees to be hired under the Keith Pelley mandate that No. 34 play out his current contract, he and Matthews will both be gone by the summer of 2028… and the Leafs will again be laughed off the hockey map. There’s nothing like an “old boys” club to destroy playoff aspiration. Matthews and William Nylander have become notorious for costing executive positions. Next victim, at some point, will be lame–duck coach Craig Berube.

Personally, I think too many voices are talking to unqualified hockey people at the top of the MLSE pyramid; the old “corporate” way. Which could easily become a disaster. If, as it appears, the Leafs are still sniffing around, why wouldn’t somebody make a call to Dallas and determine whether Jim Nill might be looking for a fresh challenge? Having competently run the Stars since April 2013, it appear’s Nill’s team has hit a playoff wall, losing three consecutive Western Conference finals before getting dumped by Minnesota in the opening round this spring. Yes, Jim signed a two–year contract extension with Dallas just prior to the Stanley Cup tournament, so looking elsewhere might seem ridiculous. But, Nill has likely always had an escape clause and surely didn’t anticipate his club falling back two playoff series. A phone call from MLSE would carry no further risk than the call to Tampa Bay.

Were Nill to desire a move, he could easily become the Cliff Fletcher of this era for the Leafs. On June 4, it will be 35 years since Fletcher left the Calgary Flames and joined the Leafs. The hiring of Pat Burns and subsequent acquision (from his former team) of Doug Gilmour took a hopeless team to within minutes of the Stanley Cup final. In less than two years. Nothing in hockey management stands ahead of experience and success. Fletcher had both, as does Nill today. Chayka would bring only the former as GM of the Leafs, with Sundin an executive newbee.

After nearly six decades devoid of playing for the NHL title, is that the optimal path for the Maple Leafs?

As for obtaining information about the club, there is only one outlet: Ed the Conqueror’s TV network. From a person that once relished competing for hockey stories here in town, I find that remarkably sad.

SOME OF THE BEST NHL JERSEY / LOGOS

The NHL colors of the 1960’s and 70’s were bright and plentiful. Enjoy these old and current jersey designs:

CHICAGO BLACKHAWKS (CURRENT)

CALIFORNIA GOLDEN SEALS (1970–74)

DETROIT RED WINGS (CURRENT)

ST. LOUIS BLUES (1969–70)

OAKLAND SEALS (1968–69)

BOSTON BRUINS (1967–74)

PITTSBURGH PENGUINS (1967–68)

TORONTO MAPLE LEAFS (1967–70)

PHILADELPHIA FLYERS (1970–71)

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