Fletcher Will Help Leafs Through ‘Period Of Transition’

He’s a hockey Hall of Famer, a respected businessman, and he’s familiar with the Leafs franchise after serving as the General Manager and President for six years in the 90s, but Cliff Fletcher is adamant that he’s merely an ‘interim’ G.M., and that he doesn’t want another long reign behind the scenes. 

“I have no interest whatsoever in putting my name in the hat to become the permanent G.M. here.  The position is for younger people and it will be my pleasure to turn the team over to someone who will lead the team for at least a decade and provide great success that all the fans and everyone in Toronto can be proud of,” Fletcher said during a press conference Tuesday to announce his hiring, and the firing of John Ferguson Jr.

“It’s nice to be back in Toronto,” he adds.  “I look forward to the challenge and to a few tough months ahead.  I know that here in Toronto the expectations are high and the key here is to initially start the process to move the club to the next level so it can compete with the top teams in the league which will eventually lead to playoff success.”

“There’s 35 days to the trade deadline and within two weeks we should be prepared…to know which direction we’ve chosen to go in.”

Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment President and CEO Richard Peddie puts his full faith in the experienced hockey man.

“We are pleased and confident that Cliff is the ideal person to lead us through this period of transition,” he said.  “The search for the next president and G.M. of the Leafs begins today.

“Cliff will serve as a trusted resource to us in that process.”

And if any questions lingered concerning the future of coach Paul Maurice, Fletcher put them to rest quite quickly.

“Paul Maurice is the coach of the Toronto Maple Leafs, he will be the coach for the balance of the year as well as the assistant coaches that work with him.”

Maurice stepped up to the podium not long after Fletcher left, and seemed relieved that he was still employed, although he seems well aware that he must turn things around if he wants to keep receiving a paycheck.  

“Winning is…necessary, it’s what drives you and we haven’t won enough…job security is not something that comes wth the job, it only comes with winning.”

“Management’s job is to get the players that fit the team, my job is to get the most out of them,” he said.

“I’d like to congratulate Mr. Fletcher on his position, I’m glad to be working for him and moving forward.”