Maple Leafs Notes: Nonis AND Burke Teaming Up? Brunnstrom Decision Coming?

Leafs Ask Permission To Talk To Nonis

Aside from the firing of Paul Maurice, the Maple Leafs made some waves today by asking the Vancouver Canucks permission to talk to recently fired Dave Nonis.  To clear up a little confusion they had to ask permission because Nonis is technically still being paid by the Canucks, despite the fact he has been let go.

The word going around is that the Maple Leafs would ask Nonis to be the team's general manager this season, and if possible hire Brian Burke next season.  Darren Dreger of TSN reports that the Leafs would hire Burke to oversee all hockey operations, while Nonis would stay on with the team in a management role.

Let's get one thing straight.  There is a lot of excitement here really, because this is the first step the Maple Leafs have taken publicly towards finding a new GM.  

I think it's great that the Maple Leafs are finally showing signs that they are trying, giving some frustrated fans something to at least think about/look forward to.  

Personally, I think Dave Nonis would be a great hire for the role of Maple Leafs general manager, if in fact he does end up being the one hired for the job.  He is a bright young man, who learned under the wings of Brian Burke, and he has also worked closely with Steve Tambellini, who is a great hockey guy himself.  Add to the fact that really, he was fired from Vancouver because his team didn't make the post season.  But look deeper, and the reason his team missed the post season is because he wouldn't sacrifice his teams young core and future, to grab a rental and save his job.

He may not have the exact pedigree MLSE claims they are looking for, but he does have a qualities that would certainly help the Maple Leafs immensely.  

As far Brian Burke joining him, I won't personally get my hopes up, but it would be great if it happened, I just don't see it.

Fabian Brunnstrom Decision Coming Soon

It is possible that we could know by the end of this week where Swedish prospect Fabian Brunnstrom is headed.

Brunnstrom has narrowed his list down to four teams, Detroit, Dallas, Montreal, and the Maple Leafs.  Earlier today at the press conference to discuss the Paul Maurice firing, Cliff Fletcher said he didn't know for sure what Brunnstrom or his agent we're thinking, but said he was told to expect a decision sometime this week.

Toronto Marlies Update

The Toronto Marlies climbed back into their series with the Syracuse Crunch last night, blasting the Crunch 8-2.  Syracuse still leads the series 2-1.   

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