Dave Nonis isn’t on his way to Toronto — at least not yet. Yesterday morning on the TEAM 1040, Nonis stated he hadn’t spoken to the Leafs about the general manager’s job in the big smoke, but admitted he is certainly willing to answer the phone call if it comes.
Nonis also dispelled any rumours that he and Brian Burke have cooked up a plan to reunite in Toronto or anywhere else for that matter. But Nonis did not hide the fact that he has been in contact with a number of teams and that he’s considering taking a job with an organization that currently employs someone he is very close with in the game.
Sounds like the former Canucks’ GM won’t be out of work long, but Nonis said he’ll likely wait until after June 1 to make a decision on his future.
>> What’s a good enough reason to say no to Team Canada for the World Hockey Championship?
The question has arisen because of Dion Phaneuf’s decision to skip out on the event in favour of a trip to Hawaii with girlfriend Elisha Cuthbert. Three of his Calgary teammates also turned down the opportunity, but Jarome Iginla, Alex Tanguay and Matthew Lombardi received zero public criticism because they declined the invite in order to be with their pregnant wives.
Same goes for Canucks’ keeper Roberto Luongo who is changing diapers following the recent birth of his first child. Given the hectic travel schedule in the NHL, most people can relate to those players who put family first when wrestling with the decision. However, there has been much less understanding in Phaneuf’s case because many fans don’t deem his alternate plans a good enough excuse for missing the event.
For the record, if Phaneuf doesn’t want to be there, I don’t want him there. While he would undoubtedly give the Canadian contingent a better shot at the gold, Canada generally wins this event with its collective will as much as with its collective skill. If his heart’s not in it, get someone whose is.
The question then becomes will Hockey Canada hold this snub against Phaneuf in 2010 when selecting the Olympic team? To be fair to the Flames’ defenceman, he did help Canada to a gold medal at last year’s World Championship.
But the selection process is subjective, and this does have the potential to hurt Phaneuf down the road.
How to make a Scott Rintoul: Mix equal parts college athlete, sports fan and broadcaster. Shake vigorously. Serve chilled Monday-Friday on the TEAM 1040 from 6-9 a.m. or online at thetoulbox.blogspot.com.
