The second meeting with Mike Gillis signals the Maple Leafs have finally found their man
Photo credit: Anne-Marie Sorvin-Imagn Images
Mike Gillis really seems to be in the Maple Leafs' plans for their front office as they are scheduling a second interview. It's less about who, and more about when.
When Gillis' name first emerged as a candidate for the Toronto Maple Leafs' vacant President/GM position, it was seen as a solid investment to take a look at someone who is known for being ahead of the curve when it comes to development which is exactly what Keith Pelley wants.
There has been some debate though over whether Gillis would rather be a Team President or GM, but either way he would be a great asset that could completely transform the Maple Leafs for the better while providing a brand new voice we haven't seen in a while.
The second interview with Gillis proves the GM search is turning into real negotiations
It seems like Pelley really likes what Gillis is going to offer though regardless of position.
The word from Chris Johnston is that the Maple Leafs were going to talk to Gillis for a second time, which is starting to sound less like a GM search and more like a way for Gillis to finish selling himself to Pelley:
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.
Gillis is a guy who is certainly debated heavily in the zeitgeist, as he's someone who is ahead of the curve in some aspects but is slacking in other departments such as drafting.
It's why having the right people in place is so crucial. With Toronto potentially looking at a complete overhaul from the scouting department to coaching to player development — Gillis has to make sure he's got the most sound minds surrounding him.
This is actual proactive work on behalf of Pelley, and credit to him — he's keeping his promises for now.
Why a Gillis-led Maple Leafs opens the door for a data-driven GM like Sunny Mehta
It was reported on Thursday that Gillis is looking towards a President role as opposed to a GM as he would rather oversee the proceedings of the team, and not have to focus heavily on being the initiator.
That preference will lead to Toronto going after a data-driven guy like Sunny Mehta, who has officially been allowed to speak to the team now. After building a powerhouse in Florida, he's the exact numbers guy to break down things to the core and end up figuring out where the team needs improvement.
Plus as a client of PBI Sports — whom Toronto just hired in their search — while there's a conflict of interest potentially afoot, he's still highly desired regardless of the implications.
We touched previously on how Montreal made themselves a contender by bringing in a talented executive with experience in Jeff Gorton and supplemented him with a young upstart GM and former agent Kent Hughes.
That's the framework Toronto can follow and find success, but they have to make sure they exhaust all their options first and have the utmost confidence in who they pick...they only have one shot.
For the first time in a long time, it feels like the Maple Leafs are not only building a plan, but following it.
With a new tandem headed by Gillis, we could be looking at a rejuvenated and reborn group.
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| POLL | ||
AVRIL 10|800 ANSWERS The second meeting with Mike Gillis signals the Maple Leafs have finally found their man Should the Toronto Maple Leafs hire Mike Gillis as their Team President? | ||
| Yes | 327 | 40.9 % |
| No | 473 | 59.1 % |
| List of polls | ||