Vancouver Canucks

Quake on the Pacific Rim

[I’ve posted in lieu of Friday morning, as a wedding rehearsal will block my regular timing]

Tremors are starting, with an eventual earthquake or landslide a certainty. I relish the occasion to watch this restructuring as Vancouver has some solid veterans and key youngsters to build with, if they proceed deftly. It is a time of ambiguity in the Lower Mainland and hand-and-hand with that comes varied opinion and ideas for direction in extremes.

Mike Gillis recently added to the Canucks’ front office, bringing in Scott Mellanby in an advisory role to supplement the earlier acquisition of Laurence Gilman. The move comes as the management of the Canucks embark on the annual post-season/pre-draft meetings in Las Vegas. (For your information, Alain Vigneault is on the trip as well, giving weight to thoughts that he will be back with the club come training camp. Vigneault should be afforded the opportunity to coach a group that will be overhauled. Others in the organization may not be extended such courtesy, though Gillis seems true to his word that he will examine all facets of the operations in depth).

Mellanby is a twenty-year veteran with no management experience, yet was a valuable player on the five teams he played for, captaining both the Panthers and Thrashers. Conventional thought has Mellanby providing consultation and pro scouting for the Canucks while maintaining his residence in St. Louis. His heart-and-soul approach was complimented by both a ‘lunchbox’ demeanor and under-rated scoring ability. Scott’s best year (arguable of course) was a 32 goal regular season that ultimately saw his unlikely Florida Panthers advance to the Stanley Cup Final in the spring of 1996. He is widely respected in hockey circles and I uphold and commend his hire. Others, such as former NHL star and analyst Ray Ferraro, extol Mellanby’s virtues and speak highly of his former teammate and rival.

As legend has it, the gritty winger exterminated a rat in the dressing room and notoriety grew from there. When the home team would tally a hat-trick or the captain would score one of his 364 career goals, toy rats would litter the ice. It was also a year that witnessed him skate in the All-Star Game. He brings intangibles the Canucks have been in need of since Geoff Courtnall skated in Vancouver.

May 14, 2008
Robin Keith Thompson

New direction - results over change

With the hiring of Laurence Gilman to a directorial position in the Canucks’ organization, I have a skepticism that most would agree is warranted.

I understand through my readings and experience as a Jets fan in my teenage years that he worked his way up through the lower ranks in Winnipeg and is a member of the Minnesota Bar Association. Gilman has years of experience already and is only in his early forties. I find that encouraging, really.

What I have a problem with, is the seemingly abrupt manner that the ownership relieved Nonis from his duties. What is Chris Zimmerman’s role in all of this? The organization has now added Mike Gillis as General Manager and he is ‘green’. Both fellas have extensive knowledge of the Collective Bargaining Agreement and I understand that Gilman has been hired on as a ‘capologist’. Fine, delegation can be a desirable attribute in leadership when approaching a multi-faceted undertaking.

So in a situation that has scrutiny in the highest degree, I find myself leaving very little room for mistakes and expect results to come quickly, not just changes.

May 12th, 2008
Robin Keith Thompson

“Nucks at Worlds, part Two

Vancouver Canucks Jannik Hansen and Alexander Edler have been major players in this year’s World Championships in Eastern Canada.

The two faced-off against each other in the qualifying round today, with Team Sweden trouncing Denmark 8-1.

Hansen has produced his fair share of points for the Danes, with 4 points (2 goals and 2 assists) in Denmark’s 4 games. Though he logged over 2o minutes in today’s game, Hansen was held not only pointless but did not register a shot on goal. The footspeed is there and no foolish penalties are being taken, his team is simply over-matched.

Edler had a positive effect immediately after being inserted into the lineup in Sweden’s second round-robin game versus France. The ‘Blue & Yellow’ won 9-0. Edler scored his first goal in International play for Sweden, on the powerplay in the third period. Edler brought his point total to three in the game with two assists as well. Averaging roughly 20 minutes in icetime, Edler has shown off his well-rounded game. Assessed a misconduct penalty for ‘checking-from-behind’ in a game he was held pointless in earlier in the week against the Group winner Switzerland, Alexander has certainly been a factor.

Hansen has two qualifying games to look forward to against Switzerland and then Belarus on Sunday and Monday; Edler and the Swedes are pitted against Russia Saturday and the Czech Republic on Sunday. Tune in.

May 8th, 2008
Robin Keith Thompson

At Worlds, Canuck duo “on stage”

Jannik Hansen (Denmark) and Alexander Edler (Sweden) are the two Vancouver Canucks at the World Hockey Championships in Halifax/Quebec City at the moment.

Some may state that the Sedins should be part of the Swedish contingent and question why Ryan Kesler is not on the American squad. I have a bit of an issue of Steve Staios on Team Canada when so many other stay-at-home types are available, but he has shown considerable leadership over the years. More than the Canucks thought back when they would sign regular paycheques over to him.

Hansen tallied a goal and an assist in a 5-2 loss to the Czech Republic. One of six goal scorers, Hansen helped the Danes cruise past Team Italy 6-2 in the second game of round-robin play in Group D. Thus far, he has two goals and an assist with a +2 rating in the two games with no penalties. Next up will be the Russians and how Hansen fares could be interesting.

Edler was unable to crack the Swedish lineup for the first game against Belarus.

Glimpse cohesion and movement

Glimpse cohesion and movement

A fascinating window can be looked at in certain lights. The Vancouver Canucks have an opportunity to set ethos and bring a promising group of young players along. The cupboards are nary as dry as being led on, players of certain ilk have a rare opportunity upcoming whether they are properly aware of it or not.

With some very impressive draft picks scattered though recent years, it seems some other areas throughout the organization may be looked at with a narrowed eye. Trumpet the fact that with a fostering posture to all available prospects, the Canucks can capitalize and maneuver through arduous terrain.

I know the Western Conference has take notice of something through these playoffs, this first day of May. Alexander Ovechkin, Alexander Semin and Mike Green to name a few young established Capital stars await junior graduate Karl Alzner and one steal of a 35th overall pick in the next Bouchard, Francois. Anchored by strong, honest hockey once an ideal was determined and an effort was established in the playoffs. Niklas Backstrom responded. Key veterans were brought in and a German workhorse goalie had his load lifted, though important continuity remained I believe. Ted Leonsis is a demonstrating how an ideal can be set.

Accountability can iron out so many of the kinks in a hurry. The Penguins’ Rejean Shero gets ‘it’ too. Montreal’s acceptance allowed for surprising yet stupendous rewards this year. I will yield at the obvious examples and illustrate the lesser achievements for Kyle Chipchura, Ryan O’Byrne. Much of the West is going to have to realize now that replenished roster spots with eager, proven talents will gain results when cultivated. Philadelphia has already punctuated something as well. Act. Back it up with the knowledge of which players are going to bring a certain commitment to the table.

I saw what I needed to in the Sharks roster for one. Another club that faces challenges separate from those of Predators’ GM, David Poile. Devin Setoguchi, Joe Pavelski, Ryane Clowe and Torrey Mitchell rallied very impressively. Experience gained by a shocked, young defensive base that was not led in a secondary manner in the playoffs by the likes of Craig Rivet, Kyle McLaren or Curtis Brown like we nearly all expected. But they too have a chance to turn this latest bad turn and turmoil with what is essentially a luxury of riches. Then to arms.

Detroit has yet another wave of great talent. Anyone notice Darren Helm establish his role in a subtle manner? While Johan Franzen lights up the arena, with Hall Of Fame Company backed with terrific coaching and the first rate scouting network, the big boys are thinking a few moves ahead. Count on Los Angeles, St. Louis and Phoenix striding forward again next year. Foot-speed and integrity. Edmonton Oil is rich with talent.

Francesco Aquilini is charged with this as well. Your manager must examine his options well. I must trust they have done homework on this matter for the simple fact it now stands before the franchise. Alain Vigneault’s reaction alone is going to tell me a lot about this. How does he react or absorb the coming changes? Roberto Luongo and Brendan Morrison are the keys for me. What is the mindset here at training camp? Willie Mitchell and Mattias Ohlund are stalwarts and may be left to hold the fort with Bobby Lu. Imagine Luc Bourdon as your only worthy prospect…..some have, I hear those echoes.
Truth is Patrick White is one fine hockey player. It may not surprise me to see him Governor of Minnesota or a shipping magnate on the Pacific Rim. He could apply his hand a charming a crowd out of its pocket money as a magician, as he could don a Canucks’ jersey. But play the card. Dismissing or allowing his situation to get to the point of say, R.J. Umberger, well, it would be unacceptable. Training camps will open and I’ll expect to see the club advance in terms of a design. If ownership cannot see that a healthy fan-base is the lifeblood of how a ‘team’ works as a unit. I’m not extremely impressed to see that an organization needs to give someone a label such as ‘capologist’ or what have you, but perhaps Michael Gillis thought delegation was without question warranted. Fine.

Give Michael Grabner a legitimate chance to gel with say, Mason Raymond. Hell, Markus Naslund had chemistry with him too. Keep an open-mind to the possibilities available to it first. I do think Alexander Edler is afforded all the time he needs to adapt and grow. He may stumble; a nice example may be Nik Kronvall on the Red Wings. If he was to able to find a niche and fill a role. His passing is what I want to see get the puck up to Ryan Kesler and Ryan Shannon. Yannik Hansen did something important too, joining his national team. Watch his play for Denmark tomorrow perhaps alongside Lars Eller….

Established star prospects are there. Make every effort to secure another strong draft by relying on instinct as opposed to concerns involved. This is a new start. Approach the situation from a standpoint of stratagem and involvement, culture. Vancouver aches to see the same chance given to Pierre-Cedric Labrie, Juraj Simek and Russian enigma Ilja Kablukov. I know my eyes are peeled in anticipation of a star in the making being ignored or labeled unfairly by an inept organization. If the Wild were to take their eyes off of or even miscalculate their angle with Mikko Koivu, I would most certainly pave the wave for him to join my club. But the realization of the possibilities and truest possible read on the environment-will provide results.

It is Aquilini’s task set before him. Watershed point, sheer faces to either side. The distinctive, collective breath is being held in the Lower Mainland. I just hope for all’s sake that he knows mediums are naturally responsive and management cannot act on impulsion.

May 1, 2008
Robin Keith Thompson

Canucks’ fan satisfaction needs overhaul

In a not-so-recent article on ESPN’s website (compiled last year), a comprehensive survey looked at comparing many of the professional sports team’s fan satisfaction ratings. Although somewhat dated, it provides (at least) a prior view of the Vancouver Canucks’ in terms of the little successes that may go unnoticed, and on a scale with other franchises and takes into account the triumphs the team goes through as well.

It ranks the Vancouver Canucks as 74th of 122 pro North American sporting franchises.
Among the categories is a ‘bang for the buck’ rating, in which they divide total costs (tickets+parking+concessions, etc.) by team wins over a three season span to determine a raw value. It is then adjusted for differences between leagues, bestowing a final value.

The Canucks’ organization showed-up lackluster according to the 80,000 contacted through Sportsnation, and were burdened by glaring weaknesses in a couple categories. In no category did the Canucks crack the top twenty-five and in no way was the survey biased against the NHL. In fact, the Buffalo Sabres were the highest-ranked franchise in the entire survey. The Ducks, Predators and Hurricanes were also stationed in the top ten, adding brilliance to the NHL’s existence. The Canucks ranked quite poorly at 26th in the NHL, while the Black Hawks hold the dubious distinction of 30th in the NHL and 118th of the 122 present in the rankings.

There are some things that do not jive in the rankings though. I realize that compiling any type of rankings system is going to have challenges and areas in which the structure is and should be, questioned (much like draft predictions and ‘mock’ drafts of players).

For example, a quick look at the ‘TTR’ section (Title Track) will tell you that the Carolina Hurricanes placed #1 overall, the Red Wings #3 and the Black Hawks doddled in at #121. Now I understand the fact that the ‘Canes won the Cup just a couple years ago, probably when the sporting world had taken notice of Carolina for that fact. Yes, the Red Wings should be recognized for their multiple Stanley Cups/Division Titles and high ranking, but to decide that the Black Hawks should receive a ranking of 121st? They have won the Stanley Cup three times! Of course, none in recent memory of most fans, with the ‘Hawks conceding the Finals in 91-92 to the Scotty Bowman led Penguins. The mighty Columbus Blue Jackets however, rank 106th though…..strange. Les Habs were not thought of very highly here either, which is a bit suspect would you not agree?

So, read into the article as much as you would either like to or wish to, but I would certainly like to give it some thought and perhaps the Vancouver franchise should strive under the newest and freshest regime in the National Hockey League to give its fans all that it can.

I would love to hear your comments and suggestions on this issue. That would include feedback from games you have attended with special attention to other franchises in comparison, etc. I’ve provided the link to the ESPN article below:

http://sports.espn.go.com/chat/sportsnation/franchiseRanks?sort=bang_rank&marketId=all&sport=nhl&year=2007

“After years of absentee (and Yankee) John McCaw, fans were happy to see co-owner (and Vancouver homeboy) Francesco Aquilini and his family purchase the remaining 50% of his shares. And now they present a list of grievances to the new bosses. Seeing the Canucks miss the playoffs for the first time since 2000 sat poorly, especially when the privilege of watching the entire sub par season at GM Place ran $3,331.83, an NHL chart topper. Yeah, signing Vezina candidate Roberto Luongo was a sweet move. But the league’s fourth-most-expensive 16-ounce beer ($6.31) leaves a bitter taste.” – ESPN footnote

April 27, 2008
Robin Keith Thompson

Gillis named, offers indictments and espousals

Newly named General Manager Michael Gillis has shown many things with an open past. Gillis has also quickly realized that this hockey town lives on the Canucks’ pulse. He has left himself quite open to the media, offering up candid and thoughtful answers to both the obvious and obscure questions. On radio alone, he has completed three separate interviews with members of the TEAM1040.

A very well-spoken and thoughtful individual on first impression, Gillis offered up answers and gave his opinions rather punctually. An eloquent indictment of previous management was the status quo, as not to give the impression that things were rosy and that he could ride this ship into the harbour. No, he scolded the player development and scouting aspects of the organization and wondered out loud about the speed and toughness up front. Gillis did however mildly praise Alain Vigneault, said Steve Tambellini was vital to the team, thrust the mantle of ‘world’s best goaltender on Roberto Luongo and said his defense was solid. He admitted that he had never even met the coaches or scouting staff and that everyone is on a clean slate from this time forward. He will be examining past records though, judging all the team’s assets. Expect big changes up until and through draft-day. One thing to keep and eye on – many coaches and other staffers have been ‘kicked to the curb’ after a ringing endorsement. I expect the scouts to now have boxes in the trunks of their cars at GM Place’s parking lot, as they should very well be sent packing. [That is also part of the problem….why are they at GM Place now anyhow? Scouting happens on the road.]

Flexibility that Nonis is responsible for in constructing the team is available, with ~$20 million in Cap Room as the primary source, to begin to mold his team.

In what was the hiring of a hockey and business man (ex-player and player’s agency founder), things were up in the air and the Aquilinis as well as President Chris Zimmerman faced criticism in having waded through a dearth of candidates in eight days. I started to look at the fact that Gillis’ immediate family moved here in the past few months and that he has stated that he has not formerly met or discussed the prospect with ownership. He has admitted outright that ‘capology’ needs to be addressed and that he will be hiring someone to focus on that angle. He has handled this admirably thus far.

People close to Gillis say that he has coveted a GM job, and that Vancouver would be a good fit. Pavel Bure was quoted as saying “I think he’s a smart guy who knows the hockey world” yesterday. His career as a businessman and agent was impressive. Negotiation skills, cunning and hutzpah are of course, assets. Time will tell. I hope so.

April 25th, 2008
Robin Keith Thompson

Nonis & ‘The Replacements’ - Managerial Speculation

Managerial Speculation

It is much like a murder mystery, with the suspects lined up and dossiers out for everyone to see….Will you pick the precise (appropriate) manager for the Vancouver Canucks’ top job? I will attempt to shed a little light on some of the prospective managers to head the Canucks’ brass. It would seem prudent, having commenced my view on the other Vancouver prospects. They are in no particular order and include a few that are more interesting than probable. An asterisk* denotes the five whom I believe are exceptional choices:

*Ken Holland
I know that some hockey insiders and purists would roll their eyes at the prospect to land a man who is regarded as a top notch General Manager in the National Hockey League, if not the best. His acquisitions and strong drafting programs are to be admired. Should the apparent grooming of Steve Yzerman offer a blossoming effect in Motown, then the Canucks would and should make every effort to bring the former goaltender and his three Stanley Cups as Detroit’s GM, home. Holland is a man is his early fifties and was born in Vernon, British Columbia. This is unlikely at this point.

*Jim Nill
Also three Stanley Cups with Detroit, overseeing amateur scouting, developmental leagues and is an assistant to Holland. A former player who joined the Red Wings’ front office in 1994, Nill was a big part of the Canucks’ playoff run in 1981-82, that were the eventual Campbell (Western) Conference Champions.

Doug Armstrong
Currently unemployed as far as the NHL General Manager ranks are concerned. His credentials were celebrated in Dallas. In 1999 the Armstrong-built Stars won the Stanley Cup, and his regular season statistics boast strongly in favour of the strong organization as well. Armstrong’s father Neil has been inducted to the Hall of Fame as a lineman.

Pat Quinn
Another of the ‘eye-rollers’; why don’t I just suggest Scotty Bowman, Mike Keenan, Mike Keane, Bian Burke or Steve Yzerman, you might say?
You love ‘The Big Irishman’, but would the Aquilinis or Chris Zimmerman allow that? I should think not, though Quinn is a great hockey mind and brought arguably the best Canuck in history into Vancouver, stealing Pavel Bure in the entry draft. Keep in mind that Quinn is on the induction committee for the Hall of Fame and has managed both the Flyers and Canucks, after a solid career as a player. Quinn is a Gold Medal winner with Team Canada. He knows the Canucks’ organization well and that is precisely why I believe that he is not a likely choice. Keep in mind that Pat Quinn is on the induction committee for the Hall of Fame. He is a Vancouver resident, won the Jack Adams Trophy twice and a couple of degrees.
A quote from Quinn’s address to McMaster University: “Education is a toolbox to make career changes. It is good advice for you to follow your dreams, listen to your heart and obey your passion”

Michael Gillis
A former NHL player that went on after his career to earn a degree in law and has translated that into a successful player’s agency, M.D. Gillis & Associates, representing Markus Naslund, Bobby Holik among others. It is widely rumoured that he is a likely candidate and has thus far been unavailable through my telephone calls.

Brian Lawton
Another player’s agent and had a decent career numbers-wise, though he takes a lot of flak for being a ‘bust’ as a former #1 overall pick. He has been linked with the ECHL’s Penguins. A graduate of Mount Saint Charles Academy, he was R.J. Umberger’s agent that played hardball with Brian Burke.

Pavel Bure
I thought I might as well disarm you with this one too. C’mon, at least Pavel has some GM experience, though the Russian team is expected to place in the medals at International competition. The former super-star Canuck is a frequent donator to the Red Army Hockey School and lives a celebrity’s life in Moscow. He is reported to have dabbled in politics.

*John Muckler
‘Mucks’ is a member of the ‘old-boys’ club in the NHL and has five Stanley Cups to back up an impressive resume. He has been coaching, scouting and managing for over fifty years. He was most recently fired from the Senators, after building a true contender in the Canadian capital. He has made some enormous trades in NHL history, including one that brought Dany Heatley to Ottawa for Greg De Vries and Marian Hossa, signed Martin Gerber (which looks good now, does it not?) and also traded Sami Salo to Vancouver for Peter Schaefer. Another trade tie to the Canucks is that he sent Alexander Mogilny to play on the West Coast for Mike Wilson and Michael Peca.

Jim Rutherford
As a former goaltender with various teams, he never became a Stanley Cup winner. But as a GM in Hartford, before the move to Carolina and on through, Rutherford constructed a Cup-winning team for the Hurricanes. Currently under contract with Carolina, he has been with the organization for close to 14 years.

Steve Tambellini
The right-hand man to Dave Nonis, he has perhaps the best knowledge of entire Canucks’ framework. That might be his undoing. ‘Tambi’ finished his playing career with the Canucks and obtained the positions of ‘Director of Public and Media Relations’ quickly before moving to Senior V.P. of Hockey Operations and then Assistant GM. Steve was born in Trail, B.C. and should warrant serious consideration.

*Melody Davidson
The GM of Team Canada. Davidson has the Gold Medals, coaching acumen, scouting background and winning attitude to back it up too. Too bad really, that I could not see this happening any time soon in the NHL. Melody is set to help the Calgary Canucks until the next Olympics here in Vancouver. Graduate of the University of Alberta.

Pat Brisson
This up-and-comer in the hockey world was recently slotted in at #43 in The Hockey News’ “100 People of Power” article. He is a slick, behind-the-scenes type who has his ear to the ground, making a name for himself through trade shows and hockey schools. Brisson was a Memorial Cup finalist, losing to Gary Robert’s club eventually, and is friends with Luc Robitaille. Watch for his arrival in the NHL soon. Chris Zimmerman should at least interview him. Then again….

*Scott Bonner
My personal favourite. I have watched him build the Giants in the WHL from a fledgling expansion franchise to champion in a direct line ( in a very short period of time). Bonner has done it through solid scouting and drafting, translating those into strengths that were assets to draw from when making the Vancouver Giant’s championship bid recently. It is said that he is looking at filling a position in Kamloops, but I believe he would be a natural fit with the Canucks. He brought in Don Hay and made outstanding trades for Kendall McArdle and A.J. Thelen.

Dan Price
Price was recently hired by the Chilliwack Bruins to operate under GM Darrell May and Head Coach Jim Hiller. Eventually he will be approached by teams. Scouting background.

So there you see, I’ve tried to use both the available General Managers from around the NHL and tried to dredge up some other candidates that could be fine choices as well. I would love to hear your comments. I believe that the Canucks will have little time to make this decision, though perhaps they are waiting for certain teams to be eliminated from tournaments or the Stanley Cup playoffs.

April 20th, 2008
Robin Keith Thompson

Roots and fabric culture

In the face of the change that is in a tumultuous period in hockey; possibilities can be directed when a determination first springs forth and then is seen through with conviction.

The Vancouver Canucks have options that can be discussed at great length and bantered back and forth. I should keep this terse, letting heave of a situation that should arise here in the Lower Mainland.

Scott Bonner has had tremendous clairvoyance and guided champions, recently. An examination of his scouting roots would be in order, his managerial work is impeccable. Showing prescience and an ability to adjust and take calculated risks. I felt the work that was put into the Giants’ Memorial Cup Championship, with the spill-over of talent and vision from the previous WHL Championship. Speculation has suggested that Bonner could go to Kamloops and I think that the relationship with Don Hay could smooth that along. The outstanding group of players (Sydor, Iginla, Doan, and Recchi) that are commended for joining forces with formerly-prospective Canucks owner, Tom Gaglardi and the entire organization is strong. No, I believe Bonner would be the perfect answer for the Canucks’ job. Simple and could provide a clutch.

Another up-and-comer it would be wise to keep an eye on is newly appointed Chilliwack Bruins’ Associate Coach, Dan Price. He has strong scouting credentials and stands to gain from the experience of working under Darrell May and with Jim Hiller. The Bruins have had a great start as a franchise, have adopted the New Westminster essence as properly as one might hope and have developed into a major player in the Western Hockey League. Prospera Centre has great atmosphere and a winning attitude is being bred in the Fraser Valley.

These observations are of course merely speculative, diffident that I did not see them earlier. Living in the Lower Mainland, I may have seen it sooner.

April 20, 2008
Robin Keith Thompson

Swirl-ings on the slipstream

Rumours are swirling about the release of General Manager Dave Nonis. Cause and effect, as well as to determine suitable and likely candidates for the vacancy, are now starting to surface.

Opinions have been polarized on the move by ownership, with many coming out strongly on one side or the other. My thoughts side with the camp that is in Nonis’ favour; expecting the hard work, attention to prospects/assets and the coming cap flexibility to give the Canucks’ a nicely set-up hand for the off-season. Many have opposite views in the Lower Mainland, citing that Nonis had ample time to make moves (which we will look at the body of work in the following articles) and that the dozen years he has spent working for Vancouver was long enough. Many hockey analysts argue that Nonis’ vision was just coming to fruition.

Speculation in the Globe and Mail in the past few days has reports stating that when pressed, Tampa GM Jay Feaster said he had been in contact with Nonis about the services of centre Brad Richards, near the trade deadline. The report states that draft picks, Alexander Edler and Ryan Kesler were asked in return for Richards. Nonis refused and stayed the course. Friciton ensued between Aquilini and Nonis. A deal for Olli Jokinen in Florida was negated for the want of keeping the Sedin twins skating with the ‘Orca Bay’ crest on their chest also. Nonis came under more fire.

Nonis, on local radio the past few days (one press conference and one talk show) has taken the high road and showed his tremendous class. The Canucks would/should do well to keep his direction and course. He set the organization up to have the assets to orchestrate deals and do it from a position of power in the league, which is more important than one might realize.

As for a replacement, reports have player agent/former player Mike Gillis (one client is Markus Naslund….) stepping into the job, while some say that Brian Lawton has been posturing himself to become General Manager in the NHL, after becoming a player agent. Managers are being interviewed (if not by the ones doing the hiring) left and right and suitable choices lined up from the media standpoint. One thing seems certain. Steve Tambellini will probably not be afforded the chance to assume the role for good after his interm duties are complete.

April 18, 2008
Robin Keith Thompson