Department of Redundancy Department
Alan Adams over at sportnet.ca informs his readers that, shock of all shocks, MLSE is a dysfunctional organization no matter what the Chairman of the Board says. Well, gosh, I'm relieved Mr.Adams has cut through that nagging fog of uncertainty.
But he goes on to bemoan the inaction of the board, Ferguson, et al. as justification for what I'm not exactly sure. Is it to promote the cause to find a new ownership group? Or is it to forward the cause to have Ferguson fired. If it is the latter, then I would have to disagree.
Ferguson is rebuilding a horrendously dysfunctional hockey program basically from scratch. The fruits of this labo(u)r won't be realized for atleast another two years, probably more. Yes, I'd like to see a few more wins in the interim, but I think we can all agree JFJ is not a miracle worker. I don't particularly like all of his moves, but in general I agree with the direction he is taking. And for those who want an articulated 'plan,' you aren't paying attention.
Too bad the MSM has to print/publish/post something on a schedule, because complaining about a lack of development isn't news worthy and worthy of opinion. Sadly, that is more a critique of the media in general, but in the hockey world Leafs-centered opine is the worst offending group.
Rest assured, JFJ will be back and the patient rebuilding of a winner while attempting to ice a play-off calibre team supplemented via free agency will continue.
Personally, I can't wait to see Tlusty and Kulemin finally dress for a game.
But he goes on to bemoan the inaction of the board, Ferguson, et al. as justification for what I'm not exactly sure. Is it to promote the cause to find a new ownership group? Or is it to forward the cause to have Ferguson fired. If it is the latter, then I would have to disagree.
Ferguson is rebuilding a horrendously dysfunctional hockey program basically from scratch. The fruits of this labo(u)r won't be realized for atleast another two years, probably more. Yes, I'd like to see a few more wins in the interim, but I think we can all agree JFJ is not a miracle worker. I don't particularly like all of his moves, but in general I agree with the direction he is taking. And for those who want an articulated 'plan,' you aren't paying attention. Too bad the MSM has to print/publish/post something on a schedule, because complaining about a lack of development isn't news worthy and worthy of opinion. Sadly, that is more a critique of the media in general, but in the hockey world Leafs-centered opine is the worst offending group.
Rest assured, JFJ will be back and the patient rebuilding of a winner while attempting to ice a play-off calibre team supplemented via free agency will continue.
Personally, I can't wait to see Tlusty and Kulemin finally dress for a game.
posted by mike @ 3:49 PM
2 Comments:
At 5:35 PM,
Pseudonym said…
I find it encouraging that you don't agree with all of JFJ's moves. So which moves were good? Promoting all those young players drafted by his predecesor? What else? The way he has built the Leafs from the net out? The big mobile defense that can't play...defense? Relying on overpriced free agents with long-term contracts and no movement clauses? The slick wingers he found to play with Sundin? Help me here!!!
At 10:46 AM,
mike said…
Pohl, Devereaux, Kilger, Gill & Kubina have performed well and all have JFJ's fingerprints. And I'd go into defense being more a function more of team play rather than defense personnel, but I imagine you know that to be true.
What he has done is build the infrastructure for a team to be successful. I still can't get over the fact that the infrastructure was so poor or non-existent before he started. The Maple Leafs should have one of the best farm systems in the league, and there is no excuse for the prior neglect.
Go read Cox's article for why this is all that is needed for JFJ to keep his job.
Promoting young players is happening league wide in the "new" NHL. McCabe is over-paid, but Tucker is a reasonable contract. Kaberle is a steal. We'll have to wait and see how much he gives Sundin. He did get Wellwood on Sundin's wing, per Mats' request, but I know that isn't what you are talking about. But I have a feeling a high profile forward will be signed this summer to either play with Mats' or to lessen his burden to score.
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