Johns Johnson

Part-Time Leafs Outsider

[Chris McCluskey @mcclusk]

I wrote an article earlier this week, lamenting about Keith Pelley openly stating his preference to 'retool' before conducting the search for the next General Manager.

"I’ll never understand why he tipped his hand back in March, immediately after firing Brad Treliving. According to Pelley, the team interviewed 27 candidates for the head of hockey operations. What an incredible, unrepeatable opportunity to survey 27 of the sharpest executives in the NHL on what the Leafs truly need to win, free of preconceived notions.

With the franchise at a genuine crossroads, wouldn’t you want unfiltered feedback? What if 24 of those 27 candidates believed a full rebuild was necessary? By telegraphing the preferred direction upfront, the organization contaminated the process. Some candidates inevitably molded their pitches to fit what Keith Pelley wanted to hear. Valuable, honest information was lost."

For all the same reasons, it was refreshing to hear John Chayka take the opposite approach when responding to questions about what he’s looking for in the next head coach this afternoon.

This is the way.

[Alex Hobson @hobson_alex16]

The way my heart seized up when we landed here

[Toronto Maple Leafs @MapleLeafs]

That first pick feeling!

[Sam McKee @SamAMcKee]

#LeafsForever

[Sam McKee @SamAMcKee]

LOL

[Chris McCluskey @mcclusk]

On Steve Simmons...

I have no issue with the premise of his question, asked cordially.

For example:

"Based on my research, it seems John Chayka's a polarizing figure around the league. In fact, most of the people I talked to were surprised by your decision to hire him. Can you elaborate on your due diligence process and share your perspective on the incidents which led to punishment from the league?"

I mean, that's a heater as written.

I have an issue with calling John Chayka a liar and a con man, as corroborated by 19 of 20 anonymous sources.

I have an issue with an experienced journalist hijacking the press conference, turning it into a spectacle about an uncommonly explosive question. Especially in this setting. I think it's a disservice to the staff and the fan base.

The biggest issue I have, though, is that he directed the question to Keith Pelley. John Chayka is sitting right next to him. If you want to call the guy a liar and a con man, at least have the courtesy to say it to him directly.

The problem is... it's a lot like when a Karen starts an argument with an employee at a Best Buy. Karen has no obligation to conduct herself in any particular way - she's free to fly off the handle. The employees are wearing a uniform. There are customers in the store. They don't have the same luxury. It's a gutless exchange.

Par for the course from Steve Simmons.

[Nick Alberga @thegoldenmuzzy]

I hope Matthews leaves in 2 years.

Shouldn’t have to deal with this bullshit.

[Johns Johnson @JohnsJohnson0]

@ochodrinko85 Same goes for elevator.. or if your on the subway for 1 stop. All perfomative.

[Johns Johnson @JohnsJohnson0]

@SamAMcKee @FAN590 W/o Dakota, oel, Willy, tanev and Knies playing injured it is tough. Give it everything till the Olympics, if we’re more than 4pts off the wildcard, sell Mcmann and look at what value you can get for others. Other option is dougie, but imo would need to b now. Thoughts?

[Johns Johnson @JohnsJohnson0]

@SamAMcKee @FAN590 11 games until Olympic break. How many points do you think we need to stay in playoff contention? If we are in contention who would be your number 1 guy to add before deadline? Who’s the #1 guy you would want to sell if we are sellers? Is Stolarz alive?

[B/R Open Ice @BR_OpenIce]

Auston Matthews HOLY TOE DRAG RELEASE, what a shot and a cheeky little celly 😏

[Leafs Papi @LeafsPapi_]

THATS VINTAGE FKN MATTHEWS

[FlowBuds @joeyferg]

Fuck this team kinda rocks right now what the hell

[Anna Dua @AnnaNoelleDua]

This is the song being currently played in the Leafs locker room after tonight’s win 😂

[Johns Johnson @JohnsJohnson0]

Fair enough. Deserves his flowers. I was very much anti Lalonde when we hired and for the first few months of the season.

[Nick Alberga @thegoldenmuzzy]

Leafs PK now 29-for-32 since December 1

Disgustingly good

Derek Lalonde has done a great job

[Sam McKee @SamAMcKee]

@KeeganMatheson Mitch Marner should have taken media training from this guy

[Johns Johnson @JohnsJohnson0]

@WatchMyReview Unreal tweet Edna hahhahaha

[Edna Garrett @WatchMyReview]

BRUTAL suggestion.
You don't need to go to "A tough coach" if you fire the tough coach you hired in 2024'..
I wouldn't trust Sid's advice on traffic on the DVP if he still hosted that horrific morning show.

[Johns Johnson @JohnsJohnson0]

@CanadianLays @AU5T0N Tanev Benoit pp1