Former Canucks GM Mike Gillis details why he wasn’t a fit for Maple Leafs president

Gillis explained why he wasn’t a fit with the Maple Leafs, during an appearance Thursday on Sekeres and Price.

“Most of the reporting was inaccurate around that piece,” Gillis said. “I’ve been pretty clear that I think there’s a role for me in an organization, but it’s a very specific one. It’s not that I wouldn’t do it, but I don’t really a think that a really well-constructed organization, guys my age should be on the front lines on a daily basis. That’s my opinion. I think there’s a role that’s highly constructive in how you go about things, and how you structure things, and the people you put in certain chairs that are influential in your success. There’s a role like that, and I made it pretty clear early on that that’s where I’d be best suited. If I don’t think there’s alignment in how you view the organization and how it’s going to evolve and grow, it’s not really a place for me.”

Gillis rejected the notion that the Maple Leafs wouldn’t allow him to hire the people he desired. He said he provided a plan with profiles of people he wanted to employ, and stated that the Maple Leafs weren’t aligned with his vision.

“I think there’s a role for people to help guide younger managers in this space, to maintain their integrity, to maintain their thought process, to maintain how they go about things, notwithstanding the pressure that’s going on outside. The Toronto Maple Leafs weren’t going to fill that role, it became apparent. A lot of the reporting around it wasn’t correct. It just wasn’t accurate.”

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