The Maple Leafs being open to a rookie GM is more concerning than it sounds
Photo credit: Richard Perry - New York Times
Toronto is open to a first-time GM paired with an experienced leader which is exactly what they had with Kyle Dubas and they're trying to make up for their mistakes.
When Keith Pelley fired Brad Treliving, he did so in order to usher in a new era for the Toronto Maple Leafs; one that is built upon data-drive results and a high focus on analytics.
The Dubas trauma and why fans fear another decade of first-round exits
It's a complete turnaround from the old 'buddy system' they seemingly used to employ, and the hiring of sports agency consultants PBI Sports means that MLSE and Pelley are exploring every avenue to bring in that brand new voice and according to reports, the team is looking for a first-timer to lead the charge:
They are willing to look at potentially having a first-time General Manager if that person ends up being paired with someone with a proper level of hockey experience, perhaps in a President type of role.
It's obvious that the Maple Leafs want to add someone with a bit more pizzazz and youth in the front office, however they also seemingly want to reign things in a bit and make sure they have someone who knows how to mediate.
But this is very similar to Kyle Dubas, who was a first time GM and was given time to figure it out, but the moment things turned sour it was the heave-ho for the former GM.
He's made a great team out of Pittsburgh and it's a wonder why Toronto went for two years towards an older mentality when they had their numbers guy right there.
It's also a bit risky in giving a first-timer the controls. Obviously this new face is going to have a lot of ideas but if they aren't properly vetted or analyzed, then it will bring more problems.
Sure, they can build a great team but can they make it past the first round still?
Why taking the risk is a necessary evil for Keith Pelley and the Maple Leafs
Absolutely they can, and they need to trust whoever is coming in has the best intentions in mind. Pelley clearly has a vision he wants to implement and he believes it will give the team the best shot at making the playoffs.
With a serious overhaul needed, why not take the risk? If you kept Treliving through next year it's going to frustrate the fans and make them feel like the team doesn't exactly have any vision.
At least Pelley is trying to go outside the box, and while fans may not see an immediate impact, having someone who thinks different than the last GM is a risk they have to take — there's no reason to play it safe anymore.
By going with the same status quo as they have been, it's not going to lead to anything positive. They messed up the first time in letting Kyle Dubas go and it seems like they are trying to repent for their earlier mistakes.
The only way it's going to pay off however is if they use the next few months to actually make the changes they're boasting so heavily about.
Also read on Hockey Patrol :
Why the Maple Leafs were right to stay away from Peter DeBoer
Why the Maple Leafs were right to stay away from Peter DeBoer