The Maple Leafs are already bypassing the GM search to win the heated battle for Bruce Cassidy
Photo credit: John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images
Keith Pelley said Toronto wants a modern analytical approach and there's a new report that the Maple Leafs have already spoken to Bruce Cassidy. If true, Toronto broke their own promise within 24 hours.
Pelley's press conference to discuss Brad Treliving's future brought a whole lot more questions than answers. While Pelley tried to be as transparent as possible with his vision, a lot of onus was focused on disappointment and trying to move forward.
Secret talks with Bruce Cassidy suggest Toronto already going rogue to fix the culture
That involves a new head coach, and it can't be more of the same faces like Craig Berube or a Mike Babcock-like figure. The harsh, 'old-school' mentality is dead, and it's about fostering a better culture on and off the ice.
If that's the case, then a new report throws a gigantic wrench into those plans. According to EA NHL content creator Nealer on X; a source close to him mentioned the Maple Leafs have already spoken to Bruce Cassidy regarding their upcoming coaching vacancy:
Heard from a very good source that Bruce Cassidy is in talks with the Toronto Maple Leafs and Edmonton Oilers. Vancouver Canucks also in there. Seems Cassidy will be heading up north.
Granted, this is not an official NHL source and everything that Nealer says should be taken with several grains of salt. If this was Elliotte Friedman or Pierre LeBrun there may be more weight to it, but it's an intriguing situation nonetheless.
There's a lot to love about Cassidy with his on-ice product. He's a great offensive mind and clearly has a load of success with both Boston and Vegas. However, it's the behind the scenes issues that bring up some red flags.
He's extremely critical, and there was a lot of friction between him and Vegas players even during their Cup-winning season.
That's just another Berube, and not someone who is driven by data. Toronto doesn't need to push anyone else out of town, and adding a stern voice like Cassidy would lock down a premium coach, but at the cost of potentially hurting the locker room.
Bypassing the GM to find a new coach shows the Maple Leafs are already in a desperate state of panic
By immediately going back on their word, the Maple Leafs have decided that they are just alright with keeping things the way they are — no matter how much they wax poetic.
Them immediately wanting to snatch up a big name instead of taking the patient route and sticking to the plan shows that Pelley may be worried about taking too long and wants to have a backup plan.
It's a move that shows while Toronto is willing to engage in conversations with top names, it does completely strip their incoming GM of any power. If the team is dead set on Cassidy; then what good is a GM who doesn't share the same vision?
Obviously the success of Cassidy can't be understated and he is a genuine winner (and more recently one) who provides a much more offensively sound and exciting game. However, he's rough behind closed doors.
For a team who needs the doors open as wide as possible to finally give fans some hope — he's the panic button that Pelley is praying he doesn't press too early.
Also read on Hockey Patrol :
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Previously on Hockey Patrol
| POLL | ||
AVRIL 1|1253 ANSWERS The Maple Leafs are already bypassing the GM search to win the heated battle for Bruce Cassidy Is hiring Bruce Cassidy as a head coach bad idea? | ||
| Yes | 648 | 51.7 % |
| No | 605 | 48.3 % |
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