Leafs added Joe Nieuwendyk to the head office. The veteran, will become the 'special assistant to the general manager.'
Nieuy: Has experience? Yes. Is he respected? Yes. Will he become a success? We do not know. Is he another John Ferguson who does not know the league? We do not know. And will he even do anything in the office? Obviously some minor changes, but anything innovative and new?
While some fans are screaming for joy, this writer is a skeptic. Leaf fans are desperate for anything. They want change, and they believe a move in the front office will help change our fortunes. But will Nieuy, actually make great changes for this organization? My answer is... no. No offense to Joe, he is not a GM. He is a hockey player, and hockey players are not brewed to become GMs. They are brewed to help the organization on the ice, not off the ice.
Does adding Nieuwyndyk actually do anything for the leafs? How many times has Mats Sundin made phone calls to different players and has gotten rejected. But that is because the Leafs have a bad rep. Perhaps adding Nieuy will bolster the damaged rep of the Maple Leafs Organization.
Some others say that Nieuwyndyk can become the Leafs' future GM. No offense, that's really not going to happen for a long time. Maybe 4-5 years down the road, but even then, chances are slim.
Nieuy, is basically your classic 'poster boy' sent to help a poorly structured system. He will be the face, but will not actually conrtibute much in terms of new signings or moves.
In short, Nieuy will not have an enormous impact on the Leafs, but will rather help revitalize the image of the leafs. Of course, what I'm stating is completely my opinion. I would love to hear from you guys.
Kelvin
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