Now that Ron Wilson is head coach, the question is, what's next for the Toronto Maple Leafs?
It does not appear to be hiring a general manager, since the search committee seems to be underemployed. Why else would half of the committee, Toronto sports lawyer Gord Kirke, wade into the brouhaha over the theme song for Hockey Night in Canada? (With CTV scooping the theme out from under the CBC's nose yesterday, that gig didn't last long.)
Both events are more proof that those of us pushing the Brian-Burke-is-the-Leafs-GM-in-waiting theory are right. What else can it be?
Does anyone honestly think a coach as good as Wilson would sign a contract with the Maple Leafs - even a four-year deal that would make him among the best-paid coaches in the NHL - if he did not have an inkling of who will eventually occupy the Leafs' GM chair? Especially if that someone just happens to be Burke, his old Providence College teammate and great friend?
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Wilson was unemployed for, what, three days after the San Jose Sharks dumped him? And there are at least four other vacancies around the league.
It's well known that Leafs interim GM Cliff Fletcher is beloved by most in the NHL, but why on earth would Wilson not at least look into the other openings before casting his lot with a team that has no permanent GM in sight?
Perhaps we'll find out today at the news conference announcing Wilson's signing. He did say Sunday that Fletcher is in the midst of hiring "a team" of executives.
However, there is still no reason to think that that team will not be headed by Burke one day, whether it is when his contract as GM of the Anaheim Ducks expires a year from now, or perhaps in mid-July if Ducks owner Henry Samueli gives up his fight to keep Burke once the team is through the entry draft and free-agency period.
Sorry to persist with the questions, but how else can the Leafs spin this? Even though there is a list of good candidates not under contract, there have been no interviews of note since the committee talked to Burke's good friend Dave Nonis, the former GM of the Vancouver Canucks. If they can't come back weeks or months from now with Burke as their man, won't all concerned look rather silly?
Also, those who know Fletcher best think he would have hired Joel Quenneville as head coach if left to his own devices, rather than someone close to Burke.
Quenneville, recently fired by the Colorado Avalanche, was an assistant to Marc Crawford on the Leafs' farm team when Fletcher was in his first go-round as Leafs GM in the early 1990s. Fletcher is known for his loyalty to old colleagues. That's probably why Joe Nieuwendyk, who was drafted by Fletcher when he was running the Calgary Flames, will turn up on the Leafs' executive team.
So far, Samueli shows no signs of giving in to Burke. But he is also not putting any pressure on his GM to sign the contract extension that has been on his desk for months.
Burke appears to be hoping gentle persuasion does the trick. Otherwise, he could give an interview blasting Samueli for reneging on his statement months back that he would not stand in Burke's way if he wanted the Toronto job and soon be on his way.
What the Leafs have to worry about now is getting caught in a tampering charge. The NHL is watching the situation closely, but deputy commissioner Bill Daly has said on more than one occasion that neither he nor commissioner Gary Bettman sees any cause for alarm - yet.
Burke worked as the NHL's director of hockey operations for many years and he is a lawyer. He knows exactly where the line is when it comes to playing footsy with other teams. Both Bettman and Daly believe he is honourable enough not to cross it.
Bettman and Burke became close friends when they worked together, and Burke will be careful not to put himself in a position where Bettman will have to pass judgment.
Daly has said that, if there is a transgression, justice will be severe. The Leafs would be fined at least $1-million (U.S.) and lose a first-round draft pick. Burke would be suspended for at least one year.
Right now, this is still a slow, careful dance, with the Leafs and Burke as Richie Cunningham and his girl, and Bettman and Daly as the vigilant Marion and Howard Cunningham.
Ron Wilson's résumé
Born
May 28, 1955, Windsor, Ont.
Playing career
Set several U.S. university scoring records for defencemen. Was Eastern College Athletic Conference player of the year (1975) and two-time All-American at Providence College for then coach Lou Lamoriello. Selected 132nd overall in the NHL draft by the Toronto Maple Leafs in 1975 after being selected 176th overall by the Houston Aeros in the 1974 WHA draft. Played parts of three seasons with Toronto, then six years in Switzerland with EHC Kloten and HC Davos. Joined the Minnesota North Stars in 1985, and retired as a player in 1988.
Coaching career
Joined the Vancouver Canucks as an assistant coach in 1990. Was named the first coach of the expansion Mighty Ducks of Anaheim in 1993. Coached Team USA to the championship at the inaugural World Cup of Hockey in 1996. After being let go by Anaheim in 1997, took over the Washington Capitals and guided the team to the Stanley Cup final in his first season. Coached the U.S. entry at the 1998 Nagano Winter Olympics. Joined the San Jose Sharks after Darryl Sutter was fired in the 2002-03 season and guided the Sharks to two first-place and two second-place finishes in the Pacific Division in four-plus seasons. Sharks lost in the Western Conference championship in 2004, but didn't get past the second round in the past three seasons. Has a 518-426-101-46 NHL regular-season record.
All in the family
His father, Larry Wilson, and uncle, Johnny Wilson, have both coached the Detroit Red Wings.
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