Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment Ltd. (MLSE)

While I promised myself I would never delve into the depths of the Billion Dollar Leafs management structure on my blogs, the events that transpired over the weekend will force me to look beyond the boards of the rink, and into the boards of the penthouse.
For those of you who are unfamiliar with the power structure of MLSE, here it is.
EDIT - Since I first published this blog, after about two weeks the OTPP web site changed the links on its home page to no loger be able to access the original fact sheet, the factsheet was then changed to the link above.

58% - Ontario Teachers' Pension Plan (CEO Richard Peddie)
15% - CTVglobemedia
14% - TD Bank Financial Group, through TD Capital Group
13% - Kilmer Sports Inc. (Owned by Larry Tanenbaum)

The site also states that;
"The board of MLSE does not micro-manage the acquisition of players, trades or salaries. Player personnel decisions are the responsibility of each team’s respective management.”

EDIT-The factsheet no longer has this quote, but it was cut and paste directly from the original sheet.

This is an interesting statement, despite taking a step back when it comes to player personal, there is nothing preventing MLSE from mirco-managing the coaching staff, a responsibility which has traditionally been the role of a teams General Manager. Peddie was quoted Saturday in California, basically stating his GM does not have the power to relieve the coach, which is proof from the horses mouth that JFJ didn’t have any power in the firing of Pat Quinn. The moronic release of Quinn, and the premature promotion of Maurice, was the sole responsibility of the MLSE brass, more specifically, the representative of the majority stakeholder of MLSE. Rabid speculation continues to mount as to what other influence Richard Peddie has placed upon this team through his coach and general manager.

After the loss in San Jose, watching the Paul Maurice press conference of was tough, to see him that disappointed and discouraged really made feel for the man, but not the coach. Through all this chaos, it is still his team, and he seemingly has control of the coaching responsibilities that have unfortunately been mismanaged due to some poor decisions. Coaching is a tough world, and a lot is expected from a coach at this level, maybe too much considering the influence of Richard Peddie rushing Maurice into a job he was not yet ready to have.

That said, my blogs focus on the game of hockey, and the issues relating to the on ice sport, therefore, the spotlight is rightfully shown on the coach. In this case, Maurice cannot be held solely responsible for his inability to effectively coach this team, being forced into this role far to early then anyone expected by Peddie, has had a greater role in Maurice’s demise as coach then one would think.

When reading my scathing coaching reviews, the MLSE influence should weigh in on everyones opinion of the coach, not to mention what people think of JFJ. That said, I stand by my proclamation that Maurice is not the current man for the job and Pat Quinn should be returned to his rightful place as coach. That, and Peddie should relinquish his role as president of the club and leave authority to his General Manager or assign a President.