Fletcher says Wilson would be OK with T.O. media

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."

Russian prospect has 'good future' with Maple Leafs

Russian prospect Nikolai Kulemin could become the centrepiece of a Toronto Maple Leafs team that aims to put the focus on its youth next season.

The 21-year-old winger, who tied for fifth in Russian Super League scoring this season with 21 goals in 57 games, was house hunting in Toronto with his wife and his brother this week. According to interim general manager Cliff Fletcher, Kulemin will soon be given every opportunity to find a home with the Leafs.

"We feel that he has a good future and he's part of the way we want to go," said interim general manager Cliff Fletcher. "Very definitely [he will be in the NHL], based on his level of play to date."

Fletcher's plan is for the Leafs to rely more on their youngsters next season.

Ron Wilson, who is in negotiations to assume the head-coaching job in Toronto, has been picked more for his ability to develop youth than his winning record. The 53-year-old had 12 players aged 25 or younger when he took over the San Jose Sharks in 2002-03.

Next season, the Leafs figure to have at least 10.

"He'll be a good fit, because of his history in San Jose," Fletcher said of Wilson. "San Jose was one of the youngest teams in the league and he had a great record of integrating young players into his lineup and playing them with good players to accelerate their development."

The difference is that San Jose had a core group comprised of 23-year-old Scott Hannan, Patrick Marleau (22) and Brad Stuart (22) when Wilson was hired. The Leafs, by contrast, mostly have average youngsters with limited potential.

From Kyle Wellwood to Matt Stajan to Alex Steen, Toronto has plenty of homegrown talent in its system. But, so far, the team has failed to develop any of its draft picks into stars.

Kulemin, who was selected 44th overall by the Leafs in 2006, may be the exception.
The 6-foot-1, 183-pounder was named top rookie in his first season with Magnitogorsk Metallurg. He finished third with 27 goals a year later. And he was recently one of three finalists for the 2008 playoff MVP.

After signing Kulemin to a three-year, entry-level contract in May 2007, the Leafs expect to see him at next month's prospects camp in Toronto. After that, the team is hopeful that he will be one of many up-and-coming players to build upon for the future.

It is a familiar wish.

For years, the Leafs have been expecting great things from their draft choices. But, so far, few have developed into players worth building around.

Last season, Wellwood (25) and Stajan and Steen (both 24) combined for just 39 goals and 96 points. The only bright spot may have been puck-moving rookie defenceman Anton Stralman, who went on to represent Sweden in the world championships.

Still, Fletcher seems intent on going young -- regardless of whether it leads to a fourth missed playoff appearance.

"When you're in our situation," said Fletcher, "obviously we're going to have a lot of young players. The issue there is we have to bring their game to a higher level along with doing other things."

No guarantee Fletcher will hold on to seventh pick

Will Trader Cliff Fletcher ride a lucky seven at the draft or trade the pick?

Seventh overall, the highest Maple Leaf selection in 16 years, is considered vital to Toronto's rebuilding hopes, and yet it translates to a quick fix for a defenceman or forward on a talent-thin team. Fletcher's fancy footwork and phone fenagling on the draft floor is well known in the NHL.
"The seventh spot is better this year than what you'd normally get," the interim general manager conceded yesterday, "but it's our responsibility to listen to anything good that another team might offer.

"I don't think there's such a thing as a quick fix anymore, but we could either trade it, use it to move up, move down, exchange a pick with someone or use it ourselves."

The final Central Scouting rankings included Sarnia Sting forward Steve Stamkos at the top, then five North American defencemen: Zach Bogosian, Drew Doughty, Tyler Myers, Luke Schenn and Alex Pietrangelo. Russian forward Nikita Filatov likely will go in the top 10, too.

TUCKS, RAZOR AWAIT FATE

The agents for winger Darcy Tucker and goalie Andrew Raycroft have not received any hints from the Leafs about rumoured contractual buyouts as June 15 looms. Their relatively low salaries (Tucker at $3 million US a year for the next three years, Raycroft at $2.2 million for this season), make them prime candidates, fair or not. Tucker would cost the Leafs $1 million a season for the next six seasons.

"It's obviously something the Leafs are considering," Tucker's agent, Carlos Sosa, said yesterday. "But we're ready. If they want him, great, if not, Darcy won't be unemployed for long.

"His preference remains to be a Leaf. He could've made more money outside of Toronto, but he enjoys it here and this is his home. We'll see what happens."

Jordan Neumann, Raycroft's agent, does not believe the Leafs will decide on his client until the new coach is picked. But if it's Ron Wilson, that will confirm that his ex-Sharks goalie Vesa Toskala will get even more rope as the No. 1 goalie. Raycroft would cost the Leafs around $733,000 for two years to buy out.

"Andrew certainly has had highs and lows as a Leaf, but he'd welcome the opportunity to redeem himself there," Neumann said.

Neumann also represents unrestricted free agent Leafs/Marlies goalie Scott Clemmensen. With Justin Pogge likely to be No. 1 with the Marlies all of next year, it's possible the Leafs cash in Raycroft and re-sign Clemmensen at a lower price to back up Toskala.

Leafs show Wilson the money

If Ron Wilson rejects the Maple Leafs' contract offer, it likely won't be for lack of money.
Despite a report that Wilson is unhappy with Toronto's monetary offer and thus went home to South Carolina this week rather than sign right away, a tentative deal could be reached as early as today. For better or worse, the Leafs are known for their largesse in these matters and hockey office jobs aren't hindered by a cap.

"(Salary) is a private matter, but we made him a very good offer," interim general manager Cliff Fletcher said yesterday. Asked if he'd be putting Wilson in elite company of the NHL's highly-paid coaches, Fletcher replied "absolutely".

A source familiar with negotiating NHL coaches' contracts said a person of Wilson's stature could expect up to a four-year deal at around $1.3 million US a season.

But Wilson might yet decide the rebuilding Leafs and the stressful Toronto market isn't worth the hassle. Fletcher had given him a loose deadline of this weekend to choose, though the coaching market heated up the past few days when John Tortorella officially was let go by the Tampa Bay Lightning.

Tortorella now is being mentioned among those pursuing Wilson's old job with San Jose, while he also is expected to get an interview in Ottawa. Kitchener Rangers coach Peter DeBoer was in Bytown on Wednesday, but the frontrunners for the Senators job are considered to be Bob Hartley and Craig Hartsburg. Both have been in for second meetings.

If Wilson is not Toronto-bound, the equally fiery Tortorella could be a good fit. Not intimidated by the humid hockey climate here, the latter said on Wednesday this would be an exciting market in which to work.

"I don't want to sell myself this way (through the media)," Tortorella cautioned. "But I will tell you it's one hell of a hockey city. (Ex-coach) Paul Maurice did a hell of a job and you guys were pissing and moaning because you wanted him to lose (and get a high draft pick).

"I don't want to disrespect that organization by saying nothing about the job, but I have no idea what's going on there. I'll leave it at that."

The Sharks have not ruled out promoting six-year assistant Tim Hunter as Wilson's replacement.

The search for a new Leafs GM remains in limbo, amid speculation Brian Burke will emerge at later date. It's not believed the Leafs are conducting any interviews this week or taking a second run at approaching the Detroit Red Wings to speak to Ken Holland or assistant Jim Nill, both of whom are under contract.

Fletcher thinks Sundin will play another year

Mats Sundin scored 32 goals and 78 points in 74 games last season. He led the Toronto Maple Leafs in all offensive categories. And the 37-yearold was among the top-20 point producers in what was his 17th season in the league.

So why would the longtime Leafs captain, who becomes an unrestricted free agent on July 1, want to retire?

"He hasn't said so outright," Fletcher said of Sundin's plans for the future. "But my guess is he's going to come back and play another season, be it with the Leafs or another team, because he had a great year last year."

Therein lies the question: if Sundin returns, where will he play?

Toronto has the inside track on resigning Sundin. But the Leafs are not the only team that are interested in the skilled centre's services.

The Montreal Canadiens and Detroit Red Wings reportedly covet Sundin, who earned US$5.5-million last season. Teams other than the Leafs would have to wait until the free agency period begins on July 1 to begin negotiations.

Sundin, who is spending the summer in his native Sweden, met Fletcher in Toronto last week to discuss his playing options. Both sides expect an announcement on his future to be made in the next two weeks.

"It would be their preference to know prior to the [June 20 NHL Entry] Draft," said Sundin's agent, J. P. Barry. "The message from Cliff was the sooner the better."

Sundin, who was the recipient of the Mark Messier Leadership Award last week, told reporters in Pittsburgh that he still wanted to end his "career as a Toronto Maple Leaf."

But he also appears uneasy about the direction the franchise is going.

The Leafs, who are being managed on an interim basis by Fletcher, are still seeking a full-time president, general manager and head coach for the 2008-09 season. The team is currently in contract negotiations with former San Jose Sharks head coach Ron Wilson, but nothing has been finalized.

"Mats is going to decide in the next few weeks ?one, if he's going to play, and if he does want to play, where?" said Barry. "He'd like to know what the [Leafs'] plans are for next year."

Wilson mulls job offer, can Burke be far behind?

The Providence College Friars of the mid-1970s had Brian Burke as their captain and Ron Wilson as a defenceman who was named ECAC player of the year in 1975.

Now, the Maple Leafs' head coaching job is being offered to one half of that Friars tandem.
Wilson completed a full day of meetings yesterday with Leafs interim general manager Cliff Fletcher. An offer was extended to Wilson, a former Leaf draft pick and coach of the San Jose Sharks, to become the 36th head coach in Toronto's history.

"We met (Monday night) and twice (yesterday) and made him an offer," Fletcher said. "And now he's going back to (South Carolina) to think about it and discuss it with his wife.

"I don't expect to touch base again until the weekend."

Several teams with coaching vacancies appear "on hold" with naming new hires or interviewing potential candidates while the Stanley Cup remains undecided.

Florida Panthers GM Jacques Martin received permission to interview fired Leafs coach Paul Maurice. But that interview process won't begin until next week.

Fletcher and the Leafs are not releasing details of their offer, but a source said Wilson is considering a four-year offer.

Both Wilson and Burke - strongly believed to be the Leafs' choice as their next GM - were coached by New Jersey GM Lou Lamoriello while playing for Providence.

Wilson and Burke became co-captains at Providence, marking the beginning of a lifelong friendship and professional relationship that would see Wilson, at a dinner commemorating his 1,000th NHL game as a coach, call Burke "the most influential man" in his career.

Wilson has had coaching stops in Washington, Anaheim and San Jose. He has posted a career coaching record of 518-446-127 in 1,091 games, and named Burke godfather to his daughter.

Burke, during a Stanley Cup interview with the CBC, was contrite over being continually tied to speculation he will join the Leafs as their GM, either after the final year of his contract expires next year or sooner, if he can convince Anaheim's ownership to terminate his contract.

Fletcher's duration as interim GM expires seven months into his 19-month deal with the Leafs. That seven-month term would carry him in to the start of the season in October.

Fletcher said he would obviously step aside if the Leafs land a new GM. But Burke's situation and the fact Fletcher is handling the hiring of the coach has given rise to the belief Fletcher will handle the GM duties at least through next season.

"A coach coming on board (has) no attachment to my situation as GM," Fletcher said. "I'm here to get (the Leafs) on track and heading into the right direction.

"If ownership comes to an agreement with a person they'd like to run the team (a GM), then that's when I step aside. But right now, I'm doing the same thing as the 29 other GMs in the league."

Former Sharks coach Wilson offered job as head coach of Maple Leafs

Ron Wilson has been offered the head coaching job of the Toronto Maple Leafs.

"We're in negotiations right now with a coach," Leafs interim GM Cliff Fletcher said yesterday in Detroit. "Hopefully we'll get it resolved in the near future."

Fletcher did say that he had only interviewed one coach, and it had been previously reported that he had spoken with Wilson, let go by the San Jose Sharks after a disappointing playoff run. There is speculation that the often sarcastic, frequently caustic Wilson arrived in Toronto last night and that the Leafs could hold a news conference as early as today to formally announce the hiring.

Wilson was a successful collegiate player and was drafted by the Maple Leafs in the 1975 NHL Entry draft in the eighth round. He played 64 games for the Leafs, scoring seven goals and adding 15 assists.

Wilson then went on to play pro in Switzerland, before returning to the NHL for three seasons with the Minnesota North Stars before retiring in 1988.

As a coach, he began his career behind the bench in 1988 as an assistant with the Moncton Hawks of the AHL before moving on to the Vancouver Canucks as an assistant, and then the Anaheim Mighty Ducks, Washington Capitals and San Jose as the head coach. He is currently second among active coaches in games coached in the NHL, behind only Mike Keenan.

His best showing behind the bench came during the 1997-98 season when he lad the Washington Capitals to the Stanley Cup final, losing to Scotty Bowman's Detroit Red Wings. The Sharks generally have underachieved in the playoffs during Wilson's tenure there and were eliminated in the second round this season in six games by the Dallas Stars.

However, Leafs goaltender Andrew Raycroft said Wilson's record speaks for itself.

"I think he knows what he is doing," Raycroft said. "A lot of things need to fall into place to win a Cup. Just look at his record. You can't just blame the coach or a couple of players."

Interestingly, Wilson and Anaheim Ducks general manager and executive VP Brian Burke are close friends and former teammates at Providence College in the 1970s, suggesting that Burke, who is said to be in line to become the Leafs' next GM once he secures his release from the Ducks, may be unofficially calling the shots behind the scene for the Leafs.

Wilson was born in Windsor but is an American citizen. He played for three years at Providence College and set several NCAA scoring records for defencemen and was named ECAC Player of the Year in 1975.

Wilson also led the American team to a victory over Canada at the 1996 World Cup of Hockey.
Burke, meanwhile, said yesterday that he feels "badly" about all the speculation surrounding the Leafs' interest in his services.

"It's not uncomfortable," he said. "It's everyone doing their job. (But) I'm not sure it's helpful to our league when we should be focused on these two teams (in the Stanley Cup final). That's what I feel badly about. This focus should be on Pittsburgh and Detroit. They're the two best teams in the league."

---
RON'S RESUME

1973-77 Played for NCAA Providence College.
1975-76 -- Played for U.S. Olympic team.
1977 -- Turned pro.
1977-78 -- Made NHL debut with the Maple Leafs. Over the course of three seasons split between the NHL and the minors, had seven goals for Toronto.
1988-90 -- Made professional coaching debut as assistant with the Moncton Hawks of the American Hockey League.
1990-93 -- Hired as assistant coach of the NHL's Vancouver Canucks.
1994-97 -- Took over as head coach of the Anaheim Mighty Ducks. Failed to make the playoffs his first two seasons there. Was eliminated in Round 2 in '97.
1997-02 -- Hired as head coach of the Washington Capitals. Made the Stanley Cup final in first season.
2002-07 -- Took over as head coach of the San Jose Sharks in the middle of the 2002-03 season. Never made it past the third round of the playoffs.
2008 -- Was fired by San Jose.