Front Office Termoil

I think everyone knew that it was only a matter of time that teams made changes following a dismal season of hockey.

Two that come to mind are both Toronto and Edmonton, but you can also add Buffalo to the mix as well.

Former Point Roberts resident, South Delta Minor Hockey Coach and (then) Maple Leafs GM Dave Nonis were relieved of all duties a short one day after the team completed its worst regular season in more than 15 years.

Leafs President Brendan Shanahan also released (Interim Head Coach) Peter Horachek, who replaced Randy Carlyle midway through the 2014-15 season.

Nonis took over in 2013 and guided the team to a playoff berth in the lockout-shortened campaign, but from there it was all down hill.

In addition he also released (Assistant Coaches) Steve Spott, Chris Dennis and Goaltending Coach Rick St. Croix.

Reality say’s this was only a matter of time that changes were made in Toronto, but the fans are finicky in Toronto, cause for what ever reason – they stay behind the worst teams at the strangest times.

For the time being Assistant GM Kyle Dubas and Director of Player Personnel Mark Hunter will take over until the Leafs search for that “Diamond” in the ruff that can lead them on the road of redemption and a quest for the Holy Grail – Lord Stanley’s Cup.

Toronto went 30-44-8 during the regular season, losing its highest number of games in regulation since 1996-97.

The Leafs have missed the playoffs the last two years and continued to falter in the standings slipping, with little or no help from the presence of high-profile talents like Phil Kessel to name only one.

While the team will undoubtedly conduct an exhaustive search, whoever assumes GM responsibilities next should be prepared for a full-scale rebuild.

Moving the players with the long-term contracts that the Leafs have in place might be complicated as Kessel is under contract through to the 2021-22 season, while Phaneuf is locked up till 2020-21.

will likely be the top priority this offseason.

Even if the Leafs decide to hold on to their foundational pieces, it’s going to be a long road getting this roster back to the playoffs.

The Leafs were 94-97-21 during Nonis’ tenure.

One has to wonder what legendary Toronto Maple Leafs like Carl Brewer, Tim Horton or even Syl Apps would think of today’s team, let alone the organization? I guess at the time Brian Burke thought it was a great move bringing him to Toronto and you can guess why?