Toronto entering the final stage of the GM search perfectly guarantees an immediate hire
Photo credit: Nick Turchiaro-Imagn Images
Well that was quick. It seems the Maple Leafs are narrowing down a GM as word out of Toronto is that the team is in the final stages of their interview process.
On April 6th we reported that the Maple Leafs were looking to have a GM/President in place by the start of the NHL Draft, so we were staring at around mid-to-end of May before we got a decision over who was selected.
However, we've been hearing more and more noise recently even after only a couple of weeks, and though there isn't a definitive hire in mind — there's more than enough candidates who have been brought in.
It seems like MLSE and Keith Pelley are liking what they see from their prospective hires and really don't want to waste any more time (for better or worse).
Toronto narrowing down candidates quickly as GM search could end this week
Frank Seravalli revealed that the Maple Leafs were actually in the final stages of their interviewing process and narrowing down their finalists for their GM position.
While he doesn't guarantee a decision is made right away, don't be surprised if you hear one:
Sources say the Maple Leafs are advancing to the ‘finalist’ stage of their interview process this week.
No guarantee on timeline but it wouldn’t be a surprise to see a new GM in place by the end of the week.
No guarantee on timeline but it wouldn’t be a surprise to see a new GM in place by the end of the week.
It's surprising that the Maple Leafs are working with such haste, as you'd expect them to take their time and make sure they get the best possible hire to lead them to success.
If they are making a choice after only a few weeks then either PBI Sports is some magical group that found the perfect guy (or one of their own); or it's a rush job that Pelley felt was necessary to get done quickly, not necessarily correctly.
So who could be on the shortlist of Maple Leafs GM candidates?
If we are narrowing things down right now, there are certainly some heavy hitters who are more than likely going to be in the running:
- Mike Gillis
- John Chayka
- Ryan Martin
- Brandon Pridham/Ryan Hardy
- Chris Pronger
- John Chayka
- Ryan Martin
- Brandon Pridham/Ryan Hardy
- Chris Pronger
These are the first five that have really nailed things down for Pelley and MLSE lately. Gillis has been target number one it seems and his multiple interviews lend credence to the fact he's the frontrunner.
Chayka's meeting was reported to go very, very well and Pelley was impressed with what he was able to bring to the table. Martin is a bit of an outside pick though has led both the Red Wings and Rangers to success over the past decade and a half.
Pridham and Hardy are the current interim co-GM's and while it could be one or the other, there may be a world where Toronto finds a tandem to work together — one with the cap navigation, the other with roster construction.
Finally we get the biggest wild card which is Pronger, who has been making the rounds heavily as of late and every time is asked about the Maple Leafs seems to have an answer or solution for all their issues.
Is he inexperienced? Yes, but he's also highly motivated, passionate, and would genuinely make the big moves needed; he's not shy about trading anyone and everyone.
It's really a who's who of candidates and while there are certainly ones who stand out above the rest, at least the Maple Leafs are getting closer to making a choice.
For everyone's sake (and sanity) let's hope it's the right one.
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