Chris Pronger in talks for a management role as the Leafs search for a winner to lead them
Photo credit: Jeff Curry-Imagn Images
Chris Pronger has spoken to the Maple Leafs regarding a potential position, and whether it be as President, GM, or any role — he'd be a great addition to the team.
When news originally broke that Chris Pronger could be a name the Maple Leafs could look at for an executive role, that quickly spiralled into a bevy of rumours where Pronger essentially looked (and sounded) like he was auditioning for a job made for him.
While there has been no concrete answer as to if Pronger will join the team or not, when asked if he was open to a move to Bay Street — he was more than open to the idea.
The hunt for a proven winner like Pronger is proof the Maple Leafs are changing their identity
So open in fact, that it sounds like the two have already been in discussions.
It was reported that the Maple Leafs had already officially reached out to Pronger to discuss a front office role. The news comes courtesy of Nick Kypreos:
One of the names we hear linked to the Leafs in that capacity [President/GM] is Chris Pronger, and I can confirm that there has already been contact between the two sides.
The timeline has accelerated considerably, and while Pronger would be a relative newcomer to the ranks of GM or President, he does have front office experience in his career so he's well aware of the ebbs and flows.
Pronger is on record saying that if Auston Matthews isn't fully on board with the vision, then they need to move on. He's not afraid to say 'Let's expedite things to make life easier for us in the future.' That kind of cutthroat mentality has been the one thing Toronto has lacked — a killer instinct if you will.
Bringing in a respected legend helps explain the path forward to both ownership and the captain
Not someone to mince words, Pronger would be able to give the board a strong voice to explain the reason behind making the moves he'll make. A big onus on new management is that they are expecting hard data to drive transactions, and Pronger would be able to loudly stand behind those choices.
He demands respect and won't be someone who calls into TV stations to complain about things. He's proactive and won't care about feelings if they don't bring results. It also shows Auston Matthews that they are willing to bring in someone with the guts to blow it up — himself included.
Ever since the team lost Brendan Shanahan they haven't had that NHL-experienced voice to help mediate between good decisions and bad. There's a reason Shanahan is still so respected for his executive work; especially in Player Safety before George Parros took over.
Having that again would not only make the Maple Leafs a much more smoother-run organization but actually give Auston Matthews the hope that the team can turn it around quick enough for him to decide to stick around.
Also read on Hockey Patrol :
Chris Pronger warns the Maple Leafs must trade Auston Matthews if he refuses to 'win at all costs’
Chris Pronger warns the Maple Leafs must trade Auston Matthews if he refuses to 'win at all costs’
Previously on Hockey Patrol
| POLL | ||
AVRIL 3|1289 ANSWERS Chris Pronger in talks for a management role as the Leafs search for a winner to lead them Should the Maple Leafs hire Chris Pronger? | ||
| Yes | 876 | 68 % |
| No | 413 | 32 % |
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