Maple Leafs introduce Ferguson Jr. as GM

TORONTO (AP) -- John Ferguson Jr. insists he has what it takes to be the general manager of one of hockey's most storied teams.

He was introduced Friday as the GM of the Toronto Maple Leafs, and at 36 is the youngest in the NHL to hold such a job. Pat Quinn gave up the general manager's job in June when a new ownership structure assumed control of Maple Leafs Sports and Entertainment. Quinn remains coach of the Maple Leafs.

Ferguson was director of hockey operations for St. Louis. He oversaw contract negotiations for the Blues, coordinated scouting departments and ran their AHL team in Worcester, Mass.

He is the son of John Ferguson, who played on five Stanley Cup champion teams with the Montreal Canadiens from 1963-71 and was the GM of the Rangers and Winnipeg Jets.

The Maple Leafs were criticized for not hiring someone with more experience.

"It fires me up," Ferguson said at a news conference. "It's invigorating. The challenge is tremendous. The opportunity is greater. We're ready."

Other finalists were former New York Rangers GM Neil Smith, Hockey Canada president Bob Nicholson and Steve Tambellini, the director of player personnel for the Vancouver Canucks.

Quinn had a say in the hiring process and favored Tambellini, who worked with him. Ferguson is widely seen as a compromise choice but Quinn said he was impressed by Ferguson.

"He's got some qualities that we're all going to like," Quinn said. "He's a smart kid, and he's enthusiastic. I think he'll prove to be the right guy."

Quinn has led the Maple Leafs to five straight playoff appearances, but the Original Six club hasn't won the Stanley Cup since 1967. They were eliminated in the first round of the playoffs by Philadelphia this past season.

Ferguson was an assistant general manager with the Blues for five years before being promoted to director of hockey of operations in 2001.

"I've grown up around the game and have been preparing for this opportunity my entire life," Ferguson said. "I am ready and we will succeed."

Richard Peddie, president and chief executive of MLSE, said Ferguson's name kept coming up when he asked around the league about potential candidates.

"He's a great candidate," Peddie said. "Give him a chance to show it."

Ferguson's first task concerns defenseman Robert Svehla, who says he's retired even though he hasn't signed retirement papers. The Maple Leafs, desperate for a defenseman, want him to return or officially retire so they can spend his salary elsewhere.

"Clearly, it will be best for all concerned if he made a definitive statement either way," Ferguson said. "We're going to look to make a resolution as soon as possible."