This is what Brian Burke does.
He is all about respect and treating people in the organization with dignity.
This is a great way to run an organization. This philosophy is exactly why Brian Burke is so respected around the league.
His players and coaches are willing to go through a wall for him and we all know why.
The Ron Wilson extension was a sign of respect.
All indications are that this one year extension is a way of getting Ron Wilson to focus on hockey and not the same old questions day after day.
Now I know some people are skeptical about this extension, but this should really help clear up all the talk about Burke willing to do anything to keep his buddy happy.
If the Leafs do make the playoffs, this extension gives Ron Wilson some games next season to prove it was not a fluke or a one-time thing.
But if the Leafs do not make the playoffs, I can guarantee that Ron Wilson will not be back; a thought that is very popular amongst Leafs Nation.
So the question becomes, do you cheer for the Leafs to make the playoffs? Or do cheer for the exit of Ron Wilson, knowing that the Leafs have to miss the playoffs for that to happen?
I, for one, am OK with Wilson and want the Leafs to play some postseason hockey, an experience that this young team—second youngest in the NHL—needs desperately.
Happy New Year Everyone!
Cheers.