[pete_b]

No playoffs for Toronto for the first time in seven years, no job for Quinn for the first time in how many years? Pat Quinn has been fired. Here is the link http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/H/HKN_MAPLE_LEAFS_QUINN?SITE=AP&SECTION=HOME&TEMPLAT E=DEFAULT&CTIME=2006-04-20-12-06-51

[ThePundit]

We all have to wait to hear from BLUE. The Islanders should bring him into interview. Where are you Blue?

[Peterborough]

Well I don't think anyone is surprised. Unless you're a cynic and are surprised that Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment had the guts to do the right thing and let Quinn go.

I think this means a $1.5 million payout for the last year of his contract.

My bets are on Paul Maurice (former Hurricanes coach and current Toronto Marlies coach) replacing him. And don't be surprised if Quinn ends up elsewhere in Leaf's management - unless he gets another coaching offer.

I know he's got great coaching stats, but it always seemed to me that the Leafs would win in spite of Quinn (when they did win that is). He's never had a defineable impact on the team - aside from his preference for veterans over rookies, and his loyalty to a fault. Belfour should have been dropped in January, but Quinn kept putting him out there.

And let's not even bring up Team Canada in this year's Olympics. Whoops, too late.

I think it's time he retire from coaching.

[blueandwhite]

When I watched the last game vs. Pittsburgh, and saw Quinn turn and leave the rink after shaking hands with Carlton the Bear - I knew he was gone. Predictable - Ferguson wanted rid of him - and necessary - he didn't do for the guys what they needed him to do. I'm not sure he's such a good motivator - I think he saw that as Sundin's job. It's everybody's freaking job. And he needed to get the young guys out more, everyone says that. he's got this strange allegiance to old players.
Still, on hearing the news from a friend, i felt sad. Since I got back into the Leafs almost nine years ago, it's been Quinn at the helm. I love his poker face - and I love his swearing face. he never smiled. he was tough as a player and tough as a coach. I'll miss his face. End of an era.
But on, forward. There's talk about Paul Maurice, who's the baby leafs coach - but that too is such an important position and the guys coming up from the Marlies are amazing. Do we want Maurice out of there? i don't know.
Pundit - you could do alot worse than interview Mister Quinn. I really hope to see him behind another bench's team. That would be the best.

[ThePundit]

I know I could do a lot worse. I mean the guy was this close with Vancover of winning the Cup. For the most part, his teams always win. The problem is they have to hire a GM first and that guy will pick the coach.

The Isles should take their time picking a GM, it's only been about 4 months since the job's been open: They should just wait until everyone else hire's a GM and coach when the pickings are slim.

[Peterborough]

This was in my in box this morning.

Today we announced that Pat Quinn has been relieved of his duties as head coach of the Toronto Maple Leafs.

This was a difficult to decision to make, but one that is in the best interests of our club going forward. I reached this decision after evaluating this past season in its entirety, and considering what we must do to return our team to the level of competitiveness that we all desire.

This decision is at least as much about the future as it is about the past. I looked at the long-term picture, beyond just next year. For us, the future starts today, and it's important that we begin with a coach who can be with us for years to come as we build this club into a championship contender. It's time for a new perspective, a new approach that will ultimately yield the results we all expect-a team that competes for the Stanley Cup on a consistent basis.

Given the success that our club had in eight years under the guidance of Pat Quinn, this was not easy action to take. I know our entire organization and our legion of fans join me in thanking Pat for representing us in a first class manner through the years.

Our failure to qualify for the playoffs is not solely attributable to our coaching staff. However we must take all necessary steps that will move us forward. We are examining all aspects of our operation and will make the changes required to put a club together that will be more competitive in the short-term, and that will achieve our goal of competing for a Stanley Cup on a consistent basis, and winning the Cup, in the years ahead.

We will begin immediately the process of filling our coaching vacancy. This is one of the premier coaching jobs anywhere in the hockey world. I'm confident that we'll hire the right person to lead us to our ultimate goal of winning a Stanley Cup.

There are many reasons for optimism going forward. This season we had two players in the top 10 in NHL rookie scoring, eight players who made their NHL debut, 12 rookies that played and we finished with a team record 26 home victories.

Since we're in the unfortunate position of not being in the playoffs, this is an ideal time to accelerate the building process that we began this season. Today's announcement is key to that process.

I will be in touch with you in the coming weeks as we make other changes.

Thank you for your continued support of the Toronto Maple Leafs.



Sincerely,

John Ferguson
General Manager
Toronto Maple Leafs

[blueandwhite]

Then there are rumours Ferguson is going too. What do you think?
Paper said Quinn spoke very eloquently most times, always honestly, and that is ferguson's problem, he can't speak publicly and actually SAY something - so he drafted a letter instead?
Will it make a difference if ferguson stays on?

[Peterborough]

I could take or leave Fergie. Remember when Quinn was GM and we used to call him "Stand Pat", becuase trade deadlines would come and go and he's grab Aki Berg instead of Rob Blake.

Ferguson doesn't seem to be much different, but he's only been at it for what, a year? I'd give him another and see what he does. Were he and Quinn butting heads?

If the Leafs blow next season he'll be packing his bags for sure.

[blueandwhite]

Says Tannenbaum is looking for gms, but I'm sure you're right, Ferguson will at least be given another year.
He's exactly the same as Quinn re trade deadlines, although amend that - rather then getting Berg he got NO ONE.