Bobby Clarke Interviewed

For those of you who took in the Pittsburgh vs. Philadelphia game on CBC last night, you may have seen an interview of Bobby Clarke during the intermission.

I, for one,  found this interview rather fascinating.  Although I was not totally surprised by Clarke’s candor, I was surprised at some of his answers – particularly with regard to the Toronto General Manager’s job.

Clarke on Game One

“We (Philadelphia) always start a series a little ragged and I think Pittsburgh is ragged too…this is not the type of hockey that will be played throughout this series”

Clarke on Containing Malkin

“You have to get him along the boards and keep him there…if you run at him, you’re going to pay the price”

Clarke on Containing Crosby

“The same thing (as Malkin), he is a guy with a lot of skill that can burn you”

“He seems to like the battles along the boards, he keeps his feet moving”

“He’s a tank, you’re not going to knock him on his rear end”

Clarke on Coaching in The NHL

“You need a different coach in Montreal than you do in Toronto…In Toronto you better be a guy with experience. Montreal is so technically skilled, Carbonneau does a good job”.

“Same thing in Philly, you better be tough because that’s what the people expect”

Clarke on The Maple Leafs General Management Position

“I’d have to talk with Holmgren (et.al), but I’d talk to them”

“I don’t know…you’ve got Cliff Fletcher right there, why not look at Hextall or Nieuwendyk…the young guys who are going to be great General Managers in this league”?

Hextall certainly fits the bill as the tough, no-nonsense, personality required to withstand the scrutiny of the Toronto media spotlight.  He is currently serving as the General Manager of the Los Angeles Kings AHL affiliate, Manchester Monarchs, so he does have some experience at the professional level.

Your Take

What do you think?

Is Ron Hextall the upstart General manager that the Maple Leafs need to turn their franchise around?

Or, Do the Leafs need someone with more experience?