Fletcher makeover serves Leafs well

EDMONTON-While the throng of media that follows the Maple Leafs around jostles about, looking for any and every comment possible on the Brian Burke front, Cliff Fletcher simply sits in the stands at practice, watching the team he put together go through its drills.

"I'm just trying to run a hockey team," Fletcher said yesterday.

This soon won't be Fletcher's team any more, but whoever takes over - be it Burke or someone else - will inherit a new-look Leaf team. One that will have Fletcher's fingerprints all over it: From more cap space to an energetic younger squad.

"We're in good shape," said Fletcher. "I just hope I'm leaving behind a team that's starting to show it's going to get better."

It was Fletcher who changed the chemistry in the dressing room by moving the former immovable objects named Bryan McCabe and Darcy Tucker. That new chemistry has led to a younger team, eager to please coach and fans by playing an energetic brand of hockey.

It was Fletcher who boldly changed the face of the franchise. Mats Sundin is gone, but Fletcher made an instant star out of Luke Schenn by trading up in the draft. The rookie defenceman hasn't disappointed.

It was Fletcher who moved quickly to bring in coach Ron Wilson, making contact with him almost immediately after he was fired in San Jose. Wilson seems just the tonic for a team trying to find its new identity.

Fletcher's other acquisitions have mostly been solid: Niklas Hagman has been the team's best forward. Mikhail Grabovski may prove to be the team's most dynamic forward. Jeff Finger looks solid-as-advertised on defence. Even Mike Van Ryn - picked up in the McCabe trade - was a pleasant surprise until his injuries.

Fletcher was initially signed for six months, a bridge between former GM John Ferguson Jr. and whoever takes over permanently. It was extended by a year when it became clear the top candidates weren't available. So Fletcher kept making the changes he thought were best for the team.

"My job was to start the process to move the team in the right direction until the person who is going to lead the team in the future was put in place," said Fletcher, who hinted he wouldn't mind sticking around to see how the rebuilding process finishes.

"I have no interest in going to another team. If the Leafs would like me to remain on as a consultant, that's something I'd probably enjoy doing."