Speculation Surrounding the Toronto Maple Leafs, Doug Armstrong and Mike Gillis

The Toronto Maple Leafs’ turmoil has been spreading like wildfire since they surprisingly fired Brad Treliving on Monday — the timing of that, not the fact that he was fired. They are in no rush to name someone to replace him or announce how they are going to set up part of their office. Is it just hiring a GM, or will they look to make a GM and president of hockey operations?

Sportsnet 590 The Fan: Elliotte Friedman doesn’t think there’s a rush to call GM, but they’ve already been doing the work. Could the Blues give permission to talk to Doug Armstrong? Mike Gillis is an interesting name.

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Cuthbert: “Is there any reason to rush this decision?

Friedman: “I really don’t think there’s any reason to rush.

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That Doug Armstrong thing

Okay, like the Doug Armstrong thing. I don’t think anyone really knows yet what his diagnosis really is. You know, Nick wrote this yesterday, and I heard the same thing. There is a lot of conflicting information on how to actually get it.

The last time the job came up, when Treliving got it, I think there were people in the organization who wanted to at least talk to him, and Tom Stillman, the owner of the St. Louis Blues said, ‘No. Doug Armstrong has a contract, and he’s our GM.’ And it was shot dead. Doug Armstrong has a contract to be, I don’t even know, I can’t remember what it is, but basically, Alex Steen’s mentor for the next two years.

• NHLRumour report: Nick Kypreos on Sportsnet: “There are conflicting reports out there if Doug Armstrong it actually has an outside window this summer; there is a rumor that the ownership of St. Louis is tired of the Toronto rumors. We will have to keep a close eye on this situation in the coming weeks.”

Cuthbert: “And this is like a rewritten contract?

Friedman: “Yeah, not GM, VP, GM, any president, whatever he was.

Cuthbert: “Okay, it’s hard to write, but I think…

Friedman: “Don’t get caught up Justin. Don’t get caught up in the topic.

Cuthbert: “But that’s one thing that can stop you.

Friedman: “No.

Cuthbert: “It’s a contractual obligation.

Friedman: “He’s got a signed contract. Right? He’s got a signed contract. So let’s not get this, let’s make this more difficult than it needs to be. He’s got a signed contract. The question is, does he have an out? Can St. Louis let him go? And nobody seems to have a straight answer to that yet. That’s what we have to find out.

JD Bunkis this morning, James (Mirtle) was on. He talked about Jim Nill. Jim Nill doesn’t have a contract beyond the season, but now he does. They are there, I just reported that they are there, they have an extension coming to him. I don’t know when they announced it, but they have an extension coming.

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Mike Gillis could be a candidate

I think one of the names that has been floating around because of interest in what he did in his past career, I think it’s possible, is Mike Gillis. I think that’s a name they’ve looked at, and I can see why.

He took a struggling team all the way to the Stanley Cup Finals. I don’t know if it’s going to be Mike Gillis, but I think he’s the type of guy they’ve been watching so far.

And we will also see what moves. Who else is shaking? Justin, there will be people who organized this project. Planning for it. I don’t care what anyone says.

• Cam Robinson: “The buzz is growing for Mike Gillis as a potential fit in Toronto. If the Leafs are serious about a change in philosophy, he’s one of the more interesting names out there. Brave decision maker. Proven track record. Should be high on the list.”
• Taj: Thomas Drance on Canucks Talk about Mike Gillis: “Part of the reason his opening talks with the Caps, Sens, FLA and various other teams went a certain way and I know this for a fact, Gillis is my road or highway guy. The Mayor of Oak Bay lives a good life and has made a lot of money for his job. it could be just what the situation in Toronto needs.

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