Raking Leafs

Mixing metaphors and casting cliches about hockey and the Maple Leafs for the ether's pleasure since MCMLXVII.

4/24/2008

Doug Armstrong

GM most shouldn'tve been fired this past season.

GM who assembled one of the best teams over the past several seasons, despite freak play-off third period collapses. They not only win, but they tend to do it the right way, with a style. The Leafs need a hockey program, period. And a hockey program is something that produces a team identity inherent to the personnel and practices of said program. A team identity, at least one worthy of a championship, isn't searched for during the first 20 games of the season. I'm not 100% sold that Armstrong can provide this type of wholesale upgrade, but he does come from a solid hockey program.

GM who integrated recent draftees into line-up, without top 10 picks. Most notably Niskanen. In fact, the Stars haven't picked in the top 10 since 1996, often going without a first rounder.

GM trained by rival Habs' GM Gainey upping the fun factor.

GM with name associated with the moon. I'm shooting for the moon hoping MLSE will make a prudent and timely decision.

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6 Comments:

  • At 11:35 AM, Anonymous Anonymous said…

    Welcome back!

    I hope MLSE is looking at all of their options. Armstrong's work looks better and better the longer he's been available.

     
  • At 1:01 PM, Blogger Greener said…

    Ninja, great to have you back! Hope all is well with you.
    Does Armstrong look glossy enough to lure the attention of MLSE?

     
  • At 4:08 PM, Blogger Chemmy said…

    You're alive! Thank god!

     
  • At 9:26 AM, Blogger mike said…

    Thanks for the warm fuzzies guys.

    I hope MLSE is actually looking at options at the moment. The Fletcher replacement plan seems to have zero urgency. Just like the entire frickin' franchise.

     
  • At 3:48 AM, Anonymous Anonymous said…

    Welcome back, Ninja.

    I'd also be quite satisfied with Armstrong in as GM. However he does remain 4th on my list of candidates behind David Poile, Jim Nill and Neil Smith.

     
  • At 3:04 PM, Blogger mike said…

    What can I say? These guys are good.

    And I don't want Neil Smith anywhere near my team. I don't get a good feeling about him.

    Poile has done a masterful job on a limited budget. 06-07 Preds were a fantastic squad, but I think Trotz has much more to do with that for some reason.

    Nill's scouting connections are juicy as well.

    I wouldn't complain about either of the last two.

     

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