Toronto is buzzing with reports that the Maple Leafs have hired former San Jose Sharks coach Ron Wilson.  Apparently Leafs interim G.M. Cliff Fletcher has confirmed that he's hired a new bench boss, but hasn't gone public with his choice. 

The Leafs fired coach Paul Maurice in May, and have since been on a determined mission to find a new permanent coach and G.M.

An interim GM rarely hires a coach he's replaced. So does this mean Fletcher himself is planning to stay for a while? "Am I interested in keeping it? Not permanently, no," he insists. "But I'm prepared to continue as long as necessary until the issue is revolved favourably for our board."

There is widespread speculation that the Leafs are waiting for Brian Burke to be freed up before making any decisions. But Burke is adamant he's not available, serving the final year of his deal with the Ducks. "There's no change, I'm under contract," he assures.

While all this is going on, Maurice, the ex-Bud bench boss, is apparently one of the top picks being considered by the Florida Panthers, who are looking for some new blood of their own.

"I'm in the beginning of the process and I've identified certain candidates that I want to proceed with some interviews in the week coming up," avers Panthers GM Jacques Martin, while not mentioning anyone by name.

And you thought it was the actual game that was entertaining.

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