Ron Wilson became the first NHL head coach to announce his own contract extension on Twitter and he did it on Christmas Day.
Toronto Maple Leafs general manager Brian Burke confirmed Sunday that Wilson received the extension. On Sunday morning, Wilson tweeted, “"He came! He came!" Remember saying that as a little kid? Well he did: I got a new Red Ryder BB gun and a contract extension!”
Wilson set that tweet up with one that said, “'Twas the night before Christmas ... The stockings were hung by the chimney with care In [sic] hopes that St. Nicholas soon would be there...”
Burke said details of Wilson’s contract will not be announced. Wilson is currently in the final year of a four-year deal he signed in June, 2008 with Cliff Fletcher, who was the Leafs’ interim GM at the time. It was thought to be worth about $1.15-million (all currency U.S.) per year.
Wilson, who has not made the playoffs in three full seasons as the Leafs’ coach, hinted via Twitter after the Leafs’ 5-3 win over the New York Islanders on Friday that he expected to get a contract extension.
Wilson, 56, has a record of 119-120-42 with the Leafs, although they are in playoff contention so far this season.
