11/05/24
May 12, 2006
Maurice lands Leafs top gig: The Toronto Maple Leafs are expected to name former Hartford Whalers and Carolina Hurricanes head coach Paul Maurice to their top job this morning. Maurice had been the head coach of the AHL's Toronto Marlies.
that picture of him is priceless I bet he can hold his breath as long as David Blaine.
posted by SummersEve at 10:13 AM on May 12, 2006
So does this mean JFJ gets his rumoured extension too? No word on that. He is under contract until the end of next season, so if he is going to get one, it should be soon. I look forward to seeing Maurice work with the young kids on the Leafs, and have absolutely NO ties to the old gang. The only "veterans" I want to see back are Kaberle and Sundin (and McCabe, if he comes back cheap).
posted by grum@work at 10:20 AM on May 12, 2006
I read somewhere Peddie closed the extension discussion this week, saying something about JFJ is aware of the expectations and that hopefully in 2007 he will be able to talk about extending JFJs contract. And I completely agree with that approach. Wait and see. This is the 'show me' year of his contract. If he delivers, give him an extension. And to those that say JFJ didn't do his due diligence in looking for a coach, because everybody and his momma's uncle has an opinion on what the Leafs do, Maurice had a one-year try-out within the organization and passed with flying colors.
posted by garfield at 10:49 AM on May 12, 2006
The only "veterans" I want to see back are Kaberle and Sundin (and McCabe, if he comes back cheap). I wouldn't hate seeing Kilger back. I also wouldn't hate Antropov, who's been a kid for too long now. If they bring Domi back, I'm going to cheer for someone else. If they feel the need for a goon, get someone who can still fight and/or someone with other skills.
posted by dfleming at 11:31 AM on May 12, 2006
Sure, why not, okay - I'll buy it. Now let's see what kind of players you can get, Fergie. Because it's not going to matter what kind of coach Maurice is if you don't improve the personnel of this team by leaps and bounds.
posted by WeedyMcSmokey at 11:44 AM on May 12, 2006
Go get McKee!
posted by garfield at 12:07 PM on May 12, 2006
McKee better stay with B-Lo. He is turning into the next Ramsey of the franchise
posted by socalreallysucks at 12:10 PM on May 12, 2006
isn't it time for a steve miller song? ENTER MAURICE!!!
posted by tommybiden at 12:12 PM on May 12, 2006
it's not going to matter what kind of coach Maurice is if you don't improve the personnel of this team by leaps and bounds I was just saying that at lunch. Unless Steen, Wellwood, and Stajan all become suddenly twice as good, this team needs more than a new coach. Specifically it needs a first line that isn't Sundin+two random third-liners.
posted by fabulon7 at 01:24 PM on May 12, 2006
Sundin has mentioned that he likes playing with Wellwood on his line. I'd like to see those two with Kilger for more than a period; the banger, the mover, and the shooter. Of course I agree, an elite winger would be great, but only if the deal is a good one.
posted by garfield at 01:36 PM on May 12, 2006
I wouldn't hate seeing Kilger back. I also wouldn't hate Antropov, who's been a kid for too long now. I've never thought of Kilger as a veteran, mainly because he only joined the team last season. However, I'd like him back in 2nd line role. Antropov has been the "he could be REAL good if..." kid for so long now that I'm almost ready to cut bait. But we did that with Steve Sullivan and Freddy Modin and it's come back to bite us in the ass... Unless Steen, Wellwood, and Stajan all become suddenly twice as good, Give them the ice time, and I think Leaf fans will be pleasantly surprised. I'm pegging Steen as the next captain of the Leafs. I can definitely see him slipping into Sundin's spot. Wellwood is a pure scorer, and every team needs that. Stajan could turn out to be the next Brind'Amour. /rose coloured glasses firmly in place
posted by grum@work at 02:45 PM on May 12, 2006
I think the Leafs should actually try to get a legitmate talent to play with Sundin. Just for once. You know, for kicks. Try it on - it might actually be fun - hell, it's only been 11 damn years. Here's a tip - First, what you're looking for, Fergie, is a guy who plays left or right wing and has scored a lot of goals... RECENTLY - not 1996. Like 2003 or better. He's recognized for doing this, and the expectation is that he will continue to do this. Second, DON"T put him on the second line for "balanced" scoring. If you want balanced scoring - get TWO - and let Mats have the good one. Hell, it's worked for some other teams, just give it a shot - what's the worst that can happen? You don't make the playoffs? Crazy.
posted by WeedyMcSmokey at 03:23 PM on May 12, 2006
weedy... question for ya..get sundin a talented winger for once....what??? u don't like alex mogilny...what was alex? chopped liver?
posted by tommybiden at 05:46 PM on May 12, 2006
Weedy, I'll trade you Michael Ryder for Kyle Wellwood. How's that?
posted by qbert72 at 08:51 PM on May 12, 2006
So does this mean JFJ gets his rumoured extension too? (that picture of him is priceless, BTW)