Fletcher’s position with the Toronto Maple Leafs is largely detached. He primarily resides in the United States but occasionally travels to meet with the team. However, these visits have decreased as Fletcher has aged.
Since transitioning from his interim GM role in 2008, Fletcher has served as an advisor for the Leafs. He remains an integral part of the organization, and this is unlikely to change anytime soon. According to Lance Hornby of the Toronto Sun, the 88-year-old recently had his contract renewed as a senior advisor.
Fletcher’s history with the Maple Leafs is storied. He first took on the general manager role in 1991, orchestrating some of the franchise’s most significant trades. Notably, he pulled off a 10-player trade with the Calgary Flames, bringing Doug Gilmour to Toronto.
In the 1993 and 1994 seasons, Fletcher’s leadership saw the Leafs make deep playoff runs, reaching the conference finals both years. Following the 1994 postseason, Fletcher made a bold move, trading fan favorite and team captain Wendel Clark to the Quebec Nordiques. In return, the Leafs acquired Mats Sundin, Garth Butcher, Todd Warriner, and a first-round draft pick.
Mats Sundin became a pivotal figure for the Leafs, setting records as the franchise’s all-time leader in goals (420) and points (987). His contributions earned him a spot in the Hockey Hall of Fame.
Fletcher’s tenure as GM lasted six seasons before he moved to a senior advisor role with the Tampa Bay Lightning in 1999. In 2001, he became the executive vice president of the Phoenix Coyotes, a position he held until 2007.
In January 2008, Fletcher returned to the Leafs as interim GM following the dismissal of John Ferguson Jr. He transitioned to an advisory role after the club hired Brian Burke as president and GM later that year. Despite the numerous changes within the organization since then, Fletcher has remained in his advisory role.
Fletcher’s current role is largely passive. He spends most of his time at home in the United States, with his visits to the team becoming less frequent over the years. Nevertheless, his enduring presence and continued advisory role underscore the deep respect and recognition he commands within the Maple Leafs organization.
