Bobby is a class individual and we wish him all the best and great success in the future. Mr. Gretzky had intended to meet with Smith in person today, but Smith was out of town with family and was unavailable. Instead, Gretzky and Smith spoke by phone. Fletcher joins the Coyotes after working the past two seasons as a senior advisor to the general manager of the Tampa Bay Lightning. A Stanley Cup winner with 25 years of hockey experience as an NHL general manager, Fletcher will be a valuable addition to the Coyotes' hockey department.
Cliff is a wonderful person and one of the most respected gentlemen in the game of hockey.
His wealth of experience and knowledge of the game will be a valuable asset to our organization. From 1991-97, Fletcher served as the chief operating officer, president and general manager of the Toronto Maple Leafs. In just his second season with the club, the Maple Leafs set team records with 44 wins and 99 points. Under Fletcher's direction, the Maple Leafs advanced to the Conference Championships in 1993 and 1994. A native of Montreal, Fletcher was the Calgary Flames general manager in the club's first 19 years of existence.