Unexpected candidate emerges as finalist for Toronto Maple Leafs President of Hockey Ops role
Photo credit: Anne-Marie Sorvin-Imagn Images
Today, reports have indicated that an unexpected candidate has emerged as the favorite for the Toronto Maple Leafs President of Hockey Operations role.
After missing the playoffs for the first time since 2016, the Toronto Maple Leafs decided to make big changes firing General Manager Brad Treliving.
In the search for his replacement, the Maple Leafs are looking to add two experienced minds to their front office in a President of Hockey Operations role with a General Manager underneath that.
So far, the Maple Leafs have reportedly interviewed several candidates for both roles and now former Vancouver Canucks GM Mike Gillis has emerged as the favorite to become the team’s President of Hockey Operations.
Mike Gillis emerges as top candidate for Maple Leafs President of Hockey Operations
According to a report from Chris Johnston, head of MLSE Keith Pelley has met with Gillis once already and a follow up interview is expected in the coming days.
The talk about Mike Gillis is real. The Leafs have interest in him. I believe there’s already been a conversation between Gillis and Pelley. I think there’s another one that’s coming up here.
With a second interview confirmed, it seems the Maple Leafs are leaning into Gillis as their lead candidate moving forward in their process.
Early in the process, reports had indicated that Gillis was being considered for a General Manager position however, recent developments have confirmed he would only come on board as a President of Hockey Operations leading to the switch in process for the Maple Leafs.
While Gillis is a name that has been linked to the Maple Leafs in recent weeks he could be a risky hire.
Why is Mike Gillis an unexpected candidate
In the past, Mike Gillis has shown the ability to run a successful organization as the General Manager of the Vancouver Canucks from 2008 to 2014.
However, since then Gillis has only served in one other role in an official capacity as Geneve Servette’s Director of Hockey Operations in Switzerland from 2016 to 2018.
This means, Gillis has been out of major roles within hockey for nearly a decade and in the time especially the NHL game has changed drastically.
With the changes in the game since he was last in the NHL one has to wonder whether or not he can build a successful team in the modern NHL.
As more reports surface on the Maple Leafs pursuit of a President of Hockey Operations and a General Manager we will pass the latest news along to you.
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| POLL | ||
AVRIL 10|197 ANSWERS Unexpected candidate emerges as finalist for Toronto Maple Leafs President of Hockey Ops role Should the Toronto Maple Leafs hire Mike Gillis as their President of Hockey Operations? | ||
| Yes | 64 | 32.5 % |
| No | 133 | 67.5 % |
| List of polls | ||