No Nanny for Hire

Poor Toronto.

Recently, the president and CEO of Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment Richard Peddie has been looking for a senior advisor to help out Toronto’s GM John Ferguson.

In other words, they need a babysitter to hold Ferguson’s hand.

Unfortunately for Peddie and friends, no one agreed to take the job.

They first asked legendary coach Scotty Bowman, who is currently a paid consultant with the Detroit Red Wings. He turned them down and wanted to stay with the Wings. Next, they interviewed former Ottawa Senators GM John Muckler. In the end, he denied too, leaving Toronto’s quest a failure.

What a very suitable ending to a search conducted by a depleting franchise, performance-wise.

Ferguson, whose contract ends this year, has been unable to put together a team worthy of playing playoff hockey.

“It’s no secret that we thought John (Ferguson) could use some help,” says Peddie. “Anything that will make our team better and compete for a 14th Stanley Cup.”

Hah. I don’t think Ferguson is the answer. But no worries, Leaf fans, his reign won’t be long. The additions to this season’s team is a start positively, but it’s not enough.

“John wants to be judged on his record,” says Peddie. “He sat in my office and said, `You know, I understand that, that my extension is based on the job that I do and that’s the way I want it.’ “

Hopefully, his bags are packed because there is no babysitter willing to watch over him. Just a whole nation of fans who have an itchy finger for the ‘Fire’ button.

Hosea C