AJC > Sports Thrashers > Blog > Archives > 2008 > May > 09
Friday, May 9, 2008
Mercy For Maurice In Toronto?
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Regardless of if it’s sports, business, a friend, neighbor or family…anytime you hear that someone has recently lost their job, one tends to feel sad and sorry for that person. However, when learning that the Toronto Maple Leafs had relieved Paul Maurice of his duties as head coach, some may feel a sense of relief for him instead of grief.
The 41-year old native of Sault St. Marie, Ontario was fired Wednesday and, as Scott Burnside of ESPN.com indicates, the news should probably cause reason for celebration rather than sorrow. His future with the Leafs had been in doubt ever since general manager John Ferguson, Jr. was shown the door shortly before the trade deadline and Cliff Fletcher took over the job on an “interim” basis. Maurice had coached Toronto for two seasons, both with winning records, (an overall mark of 76-65-22). Regardless, he failed to take his team to the post-season…two years ago falling short by a single point.
Maurice was the selection of the Philadelphia Flyers as the 252nd overall pick in the 1985 NHL entry draft. As a defender for the Windsor Spitfires of the Ontario Hockey League, he was struck in the eye with a puck while playing in a charity hockey game. The injury still leaves his vision partially impaired. Team owner Peter Karmanos offered him an opportunity to step behind the bench and he began his coaching career with the Detroit Junior Red Wings, (another team Karmanos owned).
He broke into the NHL ranks as a head coach with the Hartford Whalers in 1995 and remained with that organization as they relocated to Carolina after the ’96-’97 season. In 2002 the Carolina Hurricanes advance to the Stanley Cup Finals but were defeated by the Detroit Red Wings in five games.
Paul Maurice’s overall coaching record is 344-357-99-38 in the regular season and 17-18 in the playoffs.
So, shed no tears for Maurice for losing his job in Toronto, a team some would discribe as a mess and disfunctional. Delight in his liberation from the Maple Leafs right now as they try to figure out just which direction they are to go. He will most certainly be given a shot elsewhere and will likely be better off for it.
The question for you is…do you think that place should be here?
The Pat And Paul Show In Atlanta?
OK, I’ll be the Speculator-in-Chief and offer up this scenario.
We’ve already discussed Pat Quinn, his qualifications and interest in the Thrashers organ-I-zation. Given that, and the comments made recently by ASG co-owner Michael Gearon about Don Waddell, what do think about the prospect of Quinn as GM, Maurice as coach, (sort of the Toronto connection in the ATL), with Waddell retaining his role as Executive VP or moving into a newly created CEO or President gig?
Weekend Reading Assignments
Minnesota’s coach Jacques Lemaire is currently pondering whether or not to remain behind the Wild bench.
Darren Eliot gives credit where credit is due in Philadelphia.
Don’t look now, but there’s another Staal brother poised to enter the NHL.
Lastly, and completely off topic, here is a man who knows how to go out in style!
