The Toronto Maple Leafs fired Pat Quinn last week.  While I know that the articles have been written about this by Canadian press and American journalists; about the actual event and some theories and rumor surrounding it . This has not been mentioned, how do the Maple Leafs hope to be better next season? Kind words were made by John Ferguson after the firing of this winning coach.  Media attention here in Michigan only said that he was a "scapegoat."  The Maple Leafs of Toronto is a great Original Six team with banners hanging from the rafters.  So for this legendary and historic team still recognizable in the modern day, can the the Maple Leafs succeed immediately next season without Pat Quinn? Will the mediocrity go away with a new coach?

One question at a time. And the readers will know very shortly the answer to the next question where does Pat Quinn coach next?

Can the Maple Leafs succeed immediately next season wihout Pat Quinn?  That is up to this team, its ownership, and management; being that money is spent in sports spending wisely and getting the winning the product on the ice immediately will be top priority for the Maple Leafs General Manager, John Ferguson.  I have seen the Detroit Lions make hasty attempts to bring success immediately and each time I have seen it backfire, and will use this word, abysmally.  Wayne Fontes, the retirement of Barry Sanders, etc associated with the Lions.  Let us hope that John Ferguson is not Matt Millen, but that he is a winner.  Why? this Detroit Red Wings fan would like to see in my lifetime a Stanley Cup final featuring these two Original Six teams, the Red Wings and the Maple Leafs.  If the Leafs team will come out and take the posture of a winning team and carry that attitude to the win column then look out Eastern Confrence. And the Maple Leafs will reach success immediately next season without Pat Quinn.

Will the mediocrity go away with a new head coach? Unfortunately for the Toronto fans and the Leafs oraganization the answer is no.  This team will have a new coach. If this team has the same "old attitude" then mediocrity will still reign at Air Canada Centre. And the playoffs will be missed again.

Where does Pat Quinn coach next? One  option is  for the Maple Leafs being willing to let Pat Quinn stay on as a scout.  Exactly the same type of situation former Red Wings head coach, Dave Lewis was offered.  That actually might bode well for the immediate success of the Leafs.  Pat Quinn's other scenario would be St Louis Blues head coaching responsibilties.  With the new ownership ready to bring the fans back to the Savvis Center snatching this winning coach from the other teams in need of a coach would help the Blues franchise immensely.  Other likely contenders for the coach Pat Quinn are the Islanders, Coyotes, and Capitals. 

The summer and off season will bring the real answers.  I am looking forward to the playoffs and the Cup being won at this point.  If Pat Quinn does not retire I look forward to  see what team claims his winning ways this summer.