Andy Strickland believes Mats Sundin will create ‘instant buzz’ in Toronto market
“We are waiting for Mats Sundin’s decision. I believe if he says yes, it’s going to be a Mats Sundin/John Chayka combination,” Friedman said.
“I’m told from a pretty good source that that’s the direction they’re headed into. When you’re dealing with a legendary figure like Mats Sundin, they are going to bring him in, talk to him, and if he wants to work there, I don’t see how you turn your back and just say, ok we did the interviews,” Strickland said. “He knows the market. I mean, if you are looking to hire somebody who’s going to spike the market, create some instant buzz, then he certainly would be a figure who could do that.”
“I just think the timing isn’t right for Doug Armstrong. I do think there’s a chance that he manages again one day in the NHL. I will say after watching the press conference with Mr. Pelley, and kind of the whole dynamic in Toronto, I don’t think that’s a great fit for Doug Armstrong,” Strickland said. “I will say if he’s ever going to run another team, if he were to leave here, he’s not answering to anybody else. It’s just not going to happen, just like he wasn’t going to come to Toronto before. I think a lot of people were talking about him coming to Toronto a few years back. He was never going to go there and work under Brendan Shanahan, I can promise you that.”
“I love Chief [Berube], man. I know he’s going to get another opportunity if he leaves Toronto, but I think it makes sense that they would probably move on from Craig Berube and make a wholesale change,” Strickland said. “I think if you’re going to change managers, and you’re going to make that type of decision, you’re almost best bringing in a new head coach.”