Sportsnet's Nick Kypreos has learned that negotiations have hit a critical stage between Ron Wilson and the Toronto Maple Leafs. While interim general manager Cliff Fletcher has targeted Wilson as the top coach available, the deal might not be sweet enough.

The Leafs' initial contract offer presented to Wilson did not make him among the highest paid coaches in the league despite his being the winningest coach in the NHL the past four seasons. After extensive meetings with Fletcher early this week, Wilson left Toronto on Wednesday to contemplate his options.

"I said `Give us an answer by the weekend or by Monday at the latest," Fletcher said. "We'll see what happens. If he accepts, great, we look forward to working with him."

The 53-year-old Wilson was fired last month by the San Jose Sharks after his team lost in the playoffs to the Dallas Stars. It was the fourth straight season Wilson had led the Sharks to the playoffs in his five seasons there.

The move could be a sign that Leafs plan to eventually bring in Brian Burke as their new GM.

Burke and Wilson worked together in Vancouver and were college teammates in Providence. Burke is also the godfather of Wilson's daughter.

The Leafs have long been rumoured to be pursuing Burke for the job, but the Ducks are insisting he complete the final year of his contract as GM in Anaheim. That deal expires after next season.

The Leafs are without a permanent GM after firing John Ferguson in January.

Wilson would succeed the fired Paul Maurice, who has been targeted by the Florida Panthers as a possible candidate to fill their head coaching vacancy.

.Wilson holds the Sharks coaching records for wins (206), winning percentage (.535) and post-season games coached (52). In 2004, he coached the Sharks to the Western Conference final.

Wilson has a 518-446-127 career record during stints with the Ducks, the Washington Capitals and the Sharks. He ranks third among active coaches in wins behind Bryan Murray and Mike Keenan.

-- with files from The Canadian Press