Sportsnet.ca -- Richard Peddie's management skills apparently include lip-synching.

Peddie, the president and CEO of Maple Leafs Sports and Entertainment, can be seen mouthing the words to Cliff Fletcher's opening remarks during Tuesday's press conference announcing Fletcher as the team's interim general manager. Peddie had earlier fired John Ferguson Jr. from the position.

After reading from his own statement, Peddie turns to watch Fletcher read his prepared remarks and mouths some of the words, most notably when Fletcher says the phrase "custodian of the keys."

Fletcher, looking slightly nervous in front of the huge media throng, continues and Peddie's lips follow along as Fletcher says "and I look forward to the challenge and to a few tough months ahead."

Peddie has been accused by some of having meddled in the hockey operation, a habit that suggests Ferguson's decisions were not entirely his own. While it might not be unusual for an organization to help prepare remarks for a new hire, the performance would seem to give Peddie's critics some new ammunition.