Maple Leafs GM Fallout: JFJ's Bittersweet Goodbye

Well, the John Ferguson Jr. Era in Toronto is over.

Enter Cliff Fletcher.

To be honest, I don't think there's anyone who isn't relieved (especially more than Ferguson) at this point, as the Maple Leafs finally have a chance to move on from this debacle.

Hopefully Fletcher is able to turn some of the tricks he did in his first regime here. He brought in Mats Sundin, Dave Andreychuck, and Doug Gilmour, and turned the later into Alyn McCauley, Jason Smith, and Steve Sullivan (despite the fact that they were dismissed during the Pat Quinn tenure).

However, despite Ferguson's disregard for the future of the Leafs, his less-than-quality trading ability, and his propensity to sign an abundance of third or fourth line players, his stay in Toronto wasn't entirely horrid and I'd like to thank him for it.

Thank you for having the courage to take on such a challenge.

Although never a general manager in the league, you took your chances with the moodiest market in hockey. People often forget that you always have to start somewhere, and you chose here. Even though it didn't turn out the greatest in the end, thanks for giving it your all.

Thank you for understanding the importance of not back-loading a contract (see Jason Blake). Not every Toronto GM understands that concept and this makes Blake all the more tradable in the future.

Thank you for trying to improve the club.

Of course no one knew if Eric Lindros or Jason Allison would pan out and you said exactly that. “If they work out great. If not, we won't resign them next year.”

However, you also tried to improve the club in ways many thought would work.

Ferguson can't be blamed for Pavel Kubina playing a career-low 61 games last season (and Kubina’s actually been a +7 and a +4 in his two years with the club), nor can Ferguson be blamed for the fact that Jason Blake can't get the puck to the back of the net.

Granted the contracts in some cases were a little outlandish, Ferguson did have the right idea (despite it not panning out).

Thank you for bringing in players that did improve the club, such as John Pohl, Bates Battaglia, Chad Kilger, and Boyd Devereaux. Although none have been first liners, they've all made worthwhile contributions to this team. 

Thank you for actually working to improve the team, despite the axe's incessant hanging over your head this summer.

Despite the refusal of Leafs management to negotiate a new deal with you until seasons end, you continued attempts to improve the club, upgrading at the goaltender position and bringing in Blake.

In lieu of the fact that his firing seemed inevitable, Ferguson never gave up on this team.

Thank you for coming to the games and making it look like you gave a damn: flinging chairs, throwing coffee around, and the inaudible yelling.

You gave us a man who was passionate about the game, not a man who was passionate about his wallet.

Thank you for having enough courage to keep resigning Nik Antropov year after year, despite Leafs fans qualms and complaints.

And above all:

Thank you for holding yourself accountable.

Unlike the hierarchy at MLSE, you never once said a bad word against your colleagues to the press. You held yourself accountable for your own actions and you kept your dignity in a time where one of the most storied franchises in NHL history wasn't prepared to let you have it.

Best of luck in your next NHL stop JFJ.

God knows you've earned it after all you've gone through here.