It's pie in the sky - and the sky isn't the limit. That's the not unsurprising reaction from Leaf president and CEO Richard Peddie on the prospect floated Tuesday that the NHL was pondering allowing
another hockey team to intrude on their turf.
Any deal to allow the competitors in would hinge on a Leaf OK, and there would have to be an incredibly sweet pot to get them to give up a monopoly they've enjoyed virtually alone since they were introduced as the Toronto Arenas the year the NHL was formed in 1917.
Peddie refused to comment on the notion, except to say nothing's official until the league actually issues a recommendation - and that may never happen.
"I think we're mindful of all trends and part of our job is to plan long term and of course we try to be cognizant of all issues and opportunities and start contemplating what the necessary resolution has to be," Peddie notes carefully, speaking volumes by saying very little. "But that's for everything, from CBA to new broadcast deals, just anything. We're a large company and we always have a lot of things coming up and we're always trying to be proactive."
The Leafs have good reason to hedge their bets on the issue. While a newcomer likely won't hurt their bottom lines, they also frequently get accused of doing little to improve their on ice performance - something a 40-year Stanley Cup drought would certainly attest to.
But Toronto loves a winner and fickle and fed-up fans could throw their allegiance to a newcomer with a chance to win it all.
"I'd have to wait, I don't want to speculate," Peddie demurs. "When and if the NHL brings the board a recommendation, we'll have a point of view at that point and time."
On-again off-again Leaf goalie Curtis Joseph is sure it will never happen. "They wouldn't let it happen, the powers that be," he concludes. "If you're a smart business man, I think you want to keep the monopoly. What if that other franchise became hugely successful? If you have a say why would you (let it happen)?"
Of course a new team would also be good for the players, who would now have additional outlets bidding for their talents.
But Anaheim Mighty Ducks GM Bryan Burke - rumoured to be the choice for a similar Leaf post once his California contract expires - insists nothing is impossible. "It certainly seems to have some logic to it or some merit to it," he points out. "I know just from reading that story, the Leafs reaction was that they didn't slam it and say it's a poor idea."
But it appears they don't have to, believing like some fans that it will never come to pass.