Power of Caring
  presented by CIGNA

Leafs front office falling apart

Click here for more on this story

Posted: Monday May 24, 1999 05:56 PM

While the Toronto Maple Leafs continue to show cohesion on the ice during the Stanley Cup playoffs, the front office is fraying. Associate general manager Mike Smith, the de facto GM, has told president and GM Ken Dryden that unless he gets the full title with commensurate power and salary, he will leave when his contract expires after the season. Dryden, notoriously slow at reaching decisions, has said this isn't the time to consider Smith's demand.

Meanwhile, Anders Hedberg, the No. 3 man in the front office who oversees scouting, doesn't even talk to Smith; Hedberg reports directly to Dryden. Smith and Dryden don't sit together at games, but this isn't personal dislike as much as Smith's personal preference. During the season, Smith often would buy a ticket and sit in the stands on the road.

Miller's crossing

While Colorado goalie Patrick Roy deservedly has earned much of the credit for the Avalanche's improved goals-against average, a key factor has been the remarkable rise of defenseman Aaron Miller. Miller shuttled between right wing and defense his first few seasons, but now he's established himself as a steady defender who not only takes care of his own position but backstops his partner, the mercurial Sandis Ozolinsh. Ozolinsh doesn't simply jump into the rush. He often leads it. Miller has to guess -- and guess correctly -- about his partner's whims. Miller also has evolved into a leader, speaking out harshly after the Avalanche fell behind 2-0 at home to Detroit in the second round.

Campbell on thin ice

The Buffalo Sabres are at loggerheads with Brian Campbell, a junior defenseman they drafted 156th overall in 1997. Campbell's stock has risen considerably since then -- the 20-year-old was the Ontario Hockey League player of the year this season and helped his Ottawa 67s to the Memorial Cup on Sunday -- but the question is: How much? If Campbell doesn't get first-round money, he could re-enter the June 26 draft, a path taken by Colorado enforcer Scott Parker, a 1998 Avalanche first-rounder who initially was a New Jersey draft choice. Buffalo might not bite. While the smallish Campbell is talented, the Sabres organization is deep on defense.

Sports Illustrated senior writer Michael Farber covers the NHL and appears regularly on CNN/Sports Illustrated.

 

Related information
Multimedia
Click here for the latest audio and video
Search our site	Watch CNN/SI 24 hours a day
	Sports Illustrated and CNN have combined to form a 24 hour sports news and information channel. To receive CNN/SI at your home call 1-888-53-CNNSI.