Several sources have confirmed that the Toronto Maple Leafs have hired Neil Glasberg and PBI Sports to help with the search for a new head of hockey. Based on the importance of recruitment, the decision was going to attract attention. However, the choice to go with Glasberg has raised questions, particularly because of potential conflicts of interest.
The news was first broken by Sportsnet’s Luke Fox. He posted on X.com and then wrote the following article explaining the decision, while others pointed out the potential problems with employment. On the surface, it seems like no big deal. Glasberg and his team have previously conducted NHL investigations involving Jim Rutherford in Vancouver, Pat Verbeek in Anaheim, and Keith Jones in Philadelphia. They have experience in these types of employment.
But, if you dig deeper, it is understandable why questions have arisen.
Is There a Conflict of Interest Here?
Fox writes, “The well-connected Glasberg declined Tuesday to provide details on the status of the Maple Leafs’ job search or any candidates being considered, citing confidentiality.” However, a few other insiders took to social media to fill in the pieces that Glasberg no doubt doesn’t want to talk about.
Among them, are there any candidates for his clients?
Frank Seravalli pointed to an article he wrote in 2023, where he noted that previous issues arose with the firm because it represented other potential candidates for training and senior jobs. Critics argue that Glasberg had, and still has, “skin in the game” because he could indirectly influence who was hired, including his clients.
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After posting a link to that 2023 story, Seravalli wrote, “In addition to the last tweet about conflict of interest, this is the LLC shell game Glasberg is playing to make everything appear above board.
Then he added:
“Text message from current NHL manager: Leafs hiring Neil Glasberg to conduct search: “1. Get paid to start a search. 2. Search hires your client as GM (get paid again) 3. Client hires another client as HC (get paid again). The only question is whether Neil can hit the nail on the head: scouting, client as president, client as GM, and client as head coach.”
It already looks like Glasberg may be set for a double dip.
Sunny Mehta is a Glasberg Client
This is where things get really interesting, if not a little sketchy. Assistant General Manager of the Florida Panthers, Sunny Mehta, is considered the frontrunner for the GM or executive position in Toronto. You are a Glasberg client. Maybe that’s nothing. Still, expect people to do something about it if Mehta is hired.
Fox writes that Mehta warrants consideration on his merits. “He has an amazing ability to digest an incredible amount of information, quickly come back to it, simplify it, and present it to his audience.” And it’s the kind of data-driven hiring that MLSE President Keith Pelley suggests will be the first to begin.
Still, it’s hard not to think that Glasberg is giving Mehta a lot of love throughout the process. And, if Mehta is hired, the argument is that Glasberg is being paid twice.
Is that right? Does it matter? The NHL didn’t see a problem in 2023, and it probably doesn’t see any now. For all we know, the Leafs made this hire to get the inside track to hire Mehta. Or, maybe he’s not on their radar, and he’s not a candidate.
