Old Prof

Jim Parsons, Sr. is an odd hockey writer. First, he's in his mid-70s. Most hockey writers are much younger. Second, he comes to writing about hockey from a long academic career where his research focused on leadership, effective teams, human relationships, and the structure of organizations. He’s worked globally – including in China, Scotland, Switzerland, New Zealand, and several others. He’s been a visiting professor at several universities, both throughout North America and the world. Currently, he’s retired with his family on Vancouver Island in British Columbia. According to his wife, he's completely failed at retirement. He currently teaches research design online at four different Canadian universities and, in that role, he helps graduate students complete their dissertations and theses. Jim hopes to offer a unique perspective that even a small sample of people might be interested in. Jim Parsons Sr.

Stories By Old Prof

Toronto Maple Leafs
/ 4 weeks ago

More Than a Letter: The Matthews–Tavares Captaincy Change

It’s just a letter, until it isn’t. Did the Maple Leafs’ captaincy switch shift more in the room than we think?...

By Old Prof
Toronto Maple Leafs
/ 4 weeks ago

Maple Leafs Quick Hits: Bowen, Ralph, Pelley & Matthews

Leafs wrap a tiring season with Bowen’s farewell, lottery hopes, and big questions on Matthews and hockey ops heading into offseason.

By Old Prof
Toronto Maple Leafs
/ 4 weeks ago

Maple Leafs End a Lost Season with a Thud

A late loss caps a brutal finish for the Leafs—defensive breakdowns, missed chances, and big questions now follow them into the...

By Old Prof
Vancouver Canucks
/ 4 weeks ago

Curtis Douglas Is Changing the Feel of the Canucks

Curtis Douglas brings size, grit, and energy to the Canucks—earning respect in the room and quietly changing how this team competes.

By Old Prof
Toronto Maple Leafs
/ 4 weeks ago

Are the Maple Leafs Really Looking at Mike Gillis, and Why Now?

Mike Gillis is back in the rumour mill as the Maple Leafs rethink their front office. Is his bold approach be...

By Old Prof
NHL News
/ 4 weeks ago

Maple Leafs Are Running Out of Middle Ground: What’s Coming?

The Maple Leafs are heading into a defining offseason — changes coming in the front office, roster, and maybe the core...

By Old Prof
NHL News
/ 4 weeks ago

Chris Pronger’s Version of the Story Is Revealing About Him

A old Oilers story raises a big question. Is this history being retold, or does it reveal how Chris Pronger sees...

By Old Prof
NHL News
/ 4 weeks ago

Small Moves, Big Impact: How the Leafs RFAs Should Be Handled

Low drama, big decisions—how the Maple Leafs handle their RFAs could shape their flexibility, roster balance, and next move.

By Old Prof
Toronto Maple Leafs
/ 4 weeks ago

Toronto’s Roster Mess Needs a Carpenter, Not Another Quick Fix

A carpenter’s rule meets Maple Leafs hockey—measure twice, cut once. Toronto’s next GM must build with patience, not panic.

By Old Prof
Edmonton Oilers
/ 4 weeks ago

Connor McDavid and the Warning Behind His Perfect Stat

McDavid has a point in every Oilers win—showing brilliance, but also how much Edmonton depends on him to survive.

By Old Prof
NHL News
/ 1 month ago

The Nylander Problem: When Elite Skill Meets Frustrating Shifts

Elite skill, frustrating gaps. William Nylander can take over a game… or disappear. Maple Leafs fans keep asking the same question.

By Old Prof
Vancouver Canucks
/ 1 month ago

Why Kevin Lankinen’s Record Doesn’t Tell the Full Canucks Story

His record looks rough, but Kevin Lankinen has been steadier than the numbers suggest for a Canucks team still finding its...

By Old Prof
Edmonton Oilers
/ 1 month ago

McDavid Took Over the Entire Season in Different Ways

Three games. One Connor McDavid. OT winner, hat trick, and a five-assist night — all showing why he controls the NHL.

By Old Prof
Calgary Flames
/ 1 month ago

The Flames’ Reset Year Might Be More Successful Than You Think

The Flames may miss the playoffs, but this season reset their direction, added flexibility, and quietly set up a smarter rebuild.

By Old Prof
Toronto Maple Leafs
/ 1 month ago

Maple Leafs Bigest Roster Problem Was a Limited Perspective

Were the Maple Leafs being built in the image of their leadership? The pattern tells more than people think about this...

By Old Prof
Toronto Maple Leafs
/ 1 month ago

Trading William Nylander Makes No Sense Every Game He Plays

Nylander keeps producing in a chaotic Leafs season — and keeps making the case that he’s the one piece they can’t...

By Old Prof
Montreal Canadiens
/ 1 month ago

Nick Suzuki Might Be Montreal’s Most Important Player

Nick Suzuki isn’t flashy—but his quiet leadership, smart play, and consistency could be the key to any Canadiens playoff push.

By Old Prof
NHL News
/ 1 month ago

What Is Berube Really Trying to Prove in Toronto?

Is Berube coaching the Leafs or his next job? Late-season choices raise big questions about winning vs development.

By Old Prof
Edmonton Oilers
/ 1 month ago

Is T.J. Hughes the Low-Risk Forward Toronto Actually Needs?

Hamilton’s T.J. Hughes is out of Michigan and free to sign—could the Leafs land a mature, NHL-ready NCAA forward?

By Old Prof
NHL News
/ 1 month ago

Senators on the Edge: 3 Points Ahead, But Nothing Feels Safe

Senators are three points up and rolling, but the playoff race is razor-thin — and every game now feels like a...

By Old Prof