Urgency in Toronto as the Maple Leafs GM search is moving with unexpected speed for Keith Pelley
A new report says the Maple Leafs want their next GM in place before the end of May. They have 50 days. That's enough time to get it right — they can't afford to not.
There's a lot of discussion recently about the Maple Leafs' desire to add a modern-day mind to their front office as a way to try and take the last decade-plus of failure and salvage the franchise before it's too late.
Toronto looking to expedite the GM/President hiring process as time ticks away
Several big names have been discussed including John Chayka, Mike Gillis, Chris Pronger, Hayley Wickenheiser, and Sunny Mehta — all powerhouses in the NHL executive world and who could make a real difference for a team that desperately needs it.
While they've seen other teams improve even late into the season, Toronto still sits without a leader, however a new report shows that Keith Pelley and MLSE are going to try and expedite the process because there's no time left to lose:
It was suggested to me that Keith Pelley wants someone in place by the end of May before the draft. Someone over the weekend mentioned that the process could happen a lot quicker than that. I wouldn't call it a firm update but it may not be as long as expected.
It wouldn't be surprising to see Pelley try and quicken things considering he has already seen two teams make massive coaching changes meanwhile is stuck with a bench boss who lost the room months ago.
Enough is enough for MLSE and they figure the sooner someone comes in — the better.
Pelley's accelerated hiring process does come with a massive caveat
Though they can't be too hasty and rush to bring in someone who doesn't match their vision. With the expectations now set for a data-driven, analytical front office, anything straying from that would not only lead to the same results, but break yet another promise to the fans.
It's why the pursuit of names like Chayka and Mehta are so interesting because they both have proven they can use the results-based system to create a successful team, and in the case of Mehta; was able to build a powerhouse Panthers team that won two Cups in three years.
Given his timeline, he has about a month and 20ish days to get someone in place. If we simplify that to 50 days, that's more than enough time to do research, conduct interviews, and not rush the process even if they want to get their ducks in a row.
It's why the news of Bruce Cassidy being discussed was so alarming. This team has more than enough time to put together a plan and execute it without resorting to old and rushed tactics. This is a new era, treat it as such.
Pelley and MLSE have their work cut out for them when it comes to hiring a new leader, but all credit to them for trying to make sure things come together at a much faster pace — but they can't be caught speeding by some important names either.
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