Report: Maple Leafs denied permission to speak with Doug Wilson

The Maple Leafs have officially begun their search for a new GM.

Reports on Wednesday stated the Leafs asked and were granted permission to speak with former Canucks GM Dave Nonis. TSN is now reporting the Leafs have also asked and been denied permission to speak with current San Jose Sharks GM, Doug Wilson.

“Wilson doesn't really want to leave San Jose and the Sharks don't want him to leave,” the source is reported to have said. “It's as simple as that.”

After firing head coach Paul Maurice, theories were spreading that the intention of speaking to Nonis was that he would join the Leafs for a year before they could try to hire his former boss in Vancouver, Brian Burke, who currently has one year left on his deal in Anaheim

In his press conference yesterday, interim GM Cliff Fletcher repeated his claim that he will not be in charge of the team by the time next season begins.