I just can't believe that there is no one else out there who has "connections in the NHL and knows which General Managers are easier to deal with over others" and knows "all of the agents out there and the agencies they have to deal with when negotiating contracts"
For example, Burke, Nonis, Hunter & Dubas all left their jobs to come work for the Leafs. So we can include folks who are currently employed elsewhere when we consider the organizations options. The notion that the Leafs can't move forward effectively without Dave Nonis because he's the only one who knows anything strikes me as kind of absurd.
Another thing that would strike me as absurd: not hold any management accountable for one of the worst debacles I've witnessed in my decades as a Leafs fan. That's something only Nonis can chiefly take responsibility for.
There are absolutely other guys out there with GM connections, problem is those guys all want to bring in their own guys, from coaches to assistant GM's, new scouts, etc. This organization basically just flipped all those positions within the last year. I think we should stay the course and Nonis can still do all of Shanahan's grunt work. I really believe this organization needs some stability because the turn over has been crazy the last ten years and i think it needs to start from the top.