The Toronto Maple Leafs continue to make waves regarding their search for a new GM. It’s been the predominant headline regarding the organization since the final horn sounded on the regular season.
That said, one notable insider believes that an announcement could be imminent. Though there is some pushback to that claim.
In the Wednesday edition of the 32 Thoughts Podcast, insider Elliotte Friedman stated that he believed the Maple Leafs could announce their next GM within “24 to 48 hours.” That statement was made on Wednesday, so such a move could happen at some point between Wednesday and Friday.
“I said that I think we’re close and we’ll know in the next 24 to 48 hours. Somebody called me…they said, as it stands now, we’re probably not looking at this week.”
However, Friedman was clear in pointing out a caveat to his prediction. He also indicated that he received some pushback from people inside the organization, saying that the announcement could come at some point next week.
If that proves to be the case, perhaps the powers that be will make a call during the weekend.
Now, there’s no reason to discredit Friedman. That situation, however, has been changing consistently throughout the entire GM search. There has been so much chatter and so much noise that it’s nearly impossible to tell where things are heading.
Maple Leafs Down to Three Finalists
Another major point that Friedman underscored was the Maple Leafs’ shortlist. He mentioned assistant GMs Ryan Martin of the New York Rangers, Scott White of the Dallas Stars, and Evan Gold of the Boston Bruins.
Friedman also mentioned that former NHL executive John Chayka is believed to be in the mix. However, it’s unclear whether the Maple Leafs have met with either Chayka or Gold, or both.
What does seem clear is the fact that the Maple Leafs cast a wide net, but have narrowed their focus. As per CEO Keith Pelley’s comments, they’re looking for someone more data-driven, meaning that the current assistants in question could fit that bill.
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Toronto Also Looking at POHO Role
There’s one other issue in this entire discussion. Chatter suggests that the Maple Leafs are looking to fill the President of Hockey Operations (POHO) position. That search hasn’t gotten nearly as much hype as the GM process.
Nevertheless, the POHO role is no less important for the organization. The absence of a POHO this past season seems to have gummed up the works for the team. Reports have suggested that Pelley was involved in numerous hockey decisions, particularly at the trade deadline.
That’s why it makes sense for the organization to want to fill out the chain of command moving forward. While the Maple Leafs seem likely to fill the POHO after naming a new GM, the role in and of itself is no less important.
The next couple of days will be interesting. If Friedman’s assertions prove correct, an announcement could be dropping any time soon. That’s why Maple Leafs fans should be keen on keeping an eye open for when the news eventually hits the airwaves.
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