George McPhee is the Maple Leafs mastermind to take from Vegas after the Marner gut punch
Photo credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-Imagn Images
Former Washington Capitals head coach Bruce Boudreau knows a thing or two about Vegas GM George McPhee, and he believes he could be the perfect choice for the Leafs.
As questions surround who the Maple Leafs are going to look at when it comes to their vacant President/GM position, they are making sure they use all their resources, with Keith Pelley and MLSE hiring PBI Sports to head the candidate search.
MLSE hiring a search firm meanwhile Vegas holds their key to success; and Bruce Boudreau knows exactly who that is
Among the names discussed are John Chayka, Hayley Wickenheiser, and most notably Sunny Mehta — who seems to be the frontrunner.
However former Washington Capitals head coach Bruce Boudreau gave a very interesting take regarding who he believes would be the perfect man to lead the Maple Leafs and named current Vegas Golden Knights President and GM George McPhee as the guy:
I don't know yet [who could be chosen]. There's so many guys who could be qualified.
He's in Vegas, but I think George McPhee is a great general manager. I don't know how happy he is being President as well, probably loves it.
But I think a guy from Guelph would love to come into this area and with as knowledgeable as he is, come in and do a great job at it. That's the first guy I think of when I think real perfect GM.
He's in Vegas, but I think George McPhee is a great general manager. I don't know how happy he is being President as well, probably loves it.
But I think a guy from Guelph would love to come into this area and with as knowledgeable as he is, come in and do a great job at it. That's the first guy I think of when I think real perfect GM.
Boudreau is more than familiar with McPhee, as he was coached the Capitals during the time McPhee was GM over in Washington. McPhee has built a powerhouse in Vegas, and it would be the ultimate coup for Toronto to snag him.
This is a guy who isn't afraid to pull off big moves, case in point the Jack Eichel deal, the Mitch Marner trade and also firing Bruce Cassidy in the midst of a playoff push in order to spark the team.
Marner thriving as centre in Vegas is a raw reminder of what management needs to do this upcoming season
The fact that the Golden Knights decided to move Marner to centre despite having both Eichel and Tomas Hertl as their 1/2, but it's paying off. While he's still a bit hit or miss in the face-off circle, he just put up a five point night; he's getting accustomed to the role and starting to thrive.
That certainly wasn't just the call of Bruce Cassidy or John Tortorella either, as McPhee clearly had a part to play. If he noticed that Marner could be adaptable and used as a centre, though there may be growing pains — it's a risk worth taking.
That's what Toronto needs. A shrewd and risky negotiator who steps up to that extra level to make the moves necessary to win. Vegas is a perennial Cup contender, they've kept a lot of the same guys around due to the culture, and a fresh face in the front office.
Toronto can't lay back and hope for the best candidate available. They need to take a page out of McPhee's book and take a risk.
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