Frank Cervalli

My only thought was consider how the Devils did this with Sonny Mehta.

When they decided he was their guy, they're like, this guy's not leaving Jersey without a new contract.

We're getting it done and we're bringing him in.

If that's the case with Tom Fitzgerald, why is it extending so far into this week?

Or are they waiting for someone else?

So I don't believe Mike Gillis was ever...

truly involved in the search.

I think he had some exploratory conversations, more so just the Leafs and Keith Pelley asking for advice and picking his brain.

I don't think that they brought him in as part of this process and ever fully sort of went through the interview stage.

And I don't know if that was Toronto's choice or if that was because Mike Gillis wasn't interested or

Um, I can't really say for certain, but I know with direct knowledge that Mike Gillis was not truly like that was a lot of the conversation out there was overblown.

Surprise.

Um,

I mean, just the sheer way that he departed from Arizona is what stands out.

The suspension and forfeiture of draft picks for improper contact with draft players, draft eligible players, prospect testing, um,

basically going AWOL from your team right before the bubble playoffs.

I mean, there isn't one part of it that was a good look and to say nothing of, okay, is, is this someone that could be a bright manager?

Is this someone that could make smart decisions?

I mean, I think the answer is yes, but doesn't that seem exist in candidates that don't have black marks on their resume and, and,

spots where you can openly question their character.