The mess called the Toronto Maple Leafs just got worse and worse. Through the summer of 1980, Harold Ballard insisted that Sittler would not be back with the Leafs. But before the start of the 1980-81 season, Sittler and Ballard appeared together at a news conference described as all smiles and buddy-buddy to announce that Sittler would be at training camp. He showed up with the C back on his sweater, reassuming the role of team captain. Sittler had arranged the talks with Ballard on his own. In fact the Leafs were ready to accept an offer for Sittler from the Quebec Nordiques when Imlach had his second heart attack in August 1980. The discussions between Sittler and Ballard took place with Imlach in the hospital. At the news conference, Ballard said the real battle had been between Imlach and Eagleson, and Sittler just got caught in the crossfire.Ballard had named himself acting general manager and also signed Borje Salming to a new contract with terms that Imlach had refused to offer. Before the end of 1981, Imlach was back running the Leafs as general manager Ballard remained as de facto general manager even when Imlach recovered. Behind the bench Joe Crozier then took over only to be succeeded by Mike Nykoluk (coach #9 since the Leafs last won the Cup) on January 10, 1981.
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