Mike Gillis is forcing the Maple Leafs to rethink their power structure
Photo credit: Anne-Marie Sorvin-Imagn Images
New reporting on Leafs GM target Mike Gillis may have pushed a frontrunner ahead as a favorite, changing the Leafs power structure.
A recent report from Pierre LeBrun on TSN shared the news that Mike Gillis, the former GM of the Vancouver Canucks, is on the Toronto Maple Leafs shortlist for the team's next general manager.
LeBrun states that Gillis is one of the few being looked at to fill the vacancy of former GM Brad Treliving, but management may not be where Gillis want to end up.
Gillis is looking at a hockey operations role, rather than that of being a general manager. Gillis, who was both president and GM of the Canucks, looks interested more in the chance to be in charge, rather than focus on the day-to-day operations.
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The Toronto Maple Leafs pursuit of Mike Gillis might be put to a halt as Gillis eyes a role that would put him in charge of a team as it's architect rather than as a manager.
LeBrun does not say that Mike Gillis rejected the Toronto Maple Leafs, but the Leafs were previously reported to not be looking to add a team President.
The move, however, may push a candidate focused on the general manager side, like Sunny Mehta, into the forefront ahead of someone like Gillis.
If the Leafs do add a president, they could add Gillis as in charge of hockey operations, with Mehta answering to Gillis as the GM.
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MLSE isn't looking to pay the price of a president of hockey operations and a general manager, especially while still paying out Brad Treliving's contract, but after a season in the NHL's basement, spending may be necessary.
Having to dig themselves out of their predicament, the Leafs are surely to work quick to retool, and they may need to be tough in order to win.
Gillis and Mehta could be a sensible duo. Gillis is an analytics-friendly executive with experience in the league, a compliment with the data-focused, potential first-time GM Mehta.
The Leafs with both Gillis and Mehta would boost the team's focus on analytics, not only putting data focus on management, but throughout the front office.
Toronto isn't looking to add a team President, and Mike Gillis isn't looking at being a GM again. If the Leafs want Mike Gillis as their man, they may need to be willing to make a change.
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The Maple Leafs are one step closer to making Sunny Mehta their next GM
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| POLL | ||
AVRIL 9|679 ANSWERS Mike Gillis is forcing the Maple Leafs to rethink their power structure Should the Leafs add a team President? | ||
| Yes | 596 | 87.8 % |
| No | 83 | 12.2 % |
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