Local TV stations have been running clips of Ron Wilson snapping at the media to underline the thorny side of the projected new coach of the Maple Leafs.
Wilson has coached more than 1,000 games, all in what can be termed non-traditional hockey markets: Anaheim, Washington and San Jose. Sensitive to being second-guessed, even for an NHL coach, Wilson never has faced four newspapers and four all-sports electronic outlets on a daily basis -- and that would be just daily practices.
But Cliff Fletcher, who hopes to have Wilson under contract by Monday, is confident his man won't burn in the atmosphere of the alleged centre of the hockey universe. The Leafs' interim general manager said that media and public relations weren't a significant part of the interview process earlier this week.
"You're talking about a guy who has coached in the Stanley Cup final, in the World Cup and the Olympics," Fletcher said. "I don't think there's a concern. And if you remember, he played here with the Leafs (in the late 1970s). He's well aware that things are different in Toronto with media coverage."
Fletcher said he could hear from Wilson by today about whether he's accepting the multi-year offer, which could be four years and worth close to $5-million US. A Monday deadline is in place for Wilson to accept.
GROUP 2S AN OPTION
It's believed that more NHL teams will break the supposed taboo on signing Group 2 free agents to offer sheets next month and Fletcher is certainly examining the possibility.
"In our case, we can't give up all the first-round draft picks for a high-profile player," Fletcher said. "But we might look at someone making (between $1.3 million and $2.6 million). That's not the same class, but it would only cost us a second rounder."
The top end Group 2s include Pittsburgh goaltender Marc-Andre Fleury, defencemen Jay Bouwmeester (Florida), Mike Green (Washington) and forwards Valtteri Filppula (Detroit), Corey Perry (Anaheim) and Jeff Carter (Philadelphia).
SCORING STAPLE
The Leafs hope good things come in small packages, signing Tim Stapleton to a two-way contract yesterday.
The 5-foot-9 forward played for ex-St. John's farm team coach Doug Shedden for the Finnish club Jokerit the past two years, recording a team-high 29 goals this past season and was fifth in Finnish Elite League points. Though born in the Chicago area and roughly the same size as Pat and Mike Stapleton, he is no relation to the famous NHL family.
Tim Stapleton had a prolific career at the University of Minnesota-Duluth from 2002 to 2006, with 152 points in 162 games.
"He's small, but prototypical NHL small, with tremendous speed," Fletcher said. "He'll get a legitimate chance at camp with the Leafs."
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