Nonis canned.

[rustybadcock]

http://tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=234310&lid=headline&lpos=secStory_main

Good. I said it before and will here again, ownership has to take a stand. They have to execute where necessary. Winning teams/organizations know this. Failure is acceptable to a degree, when a plan is present. A feasible plan that is.

And some of these dopes on the TSN are making it sound like a knee jerk reaction by Aqualini. I highly doubt a business man of his level could succeed to his degree by knee jerk reactions. Sometimes the crud these pawns spew makes me really shake my head.

Who should be GM?

The likely. Tambilini, Burke a longer shot.

The others I personally would like to see.

Bowman.
Neil.
Quinn.

Wouldn't surprise me in the least that they have their man picked already. If I am the Canucks owner I would want my GM in place sooner not later. The draft is coming and the changes on this team are only bigger now where philosophy is concerned. Time is of the essence and time's a wasting. The new GM should be in place in the next two weeks.

I got a hunch the entire staff might be cleared out.

With ever ending there is a new beginning.

RB

[KB in Kelowna]

Holy Snappin Crap!:D

I guess Francesco Aquilini was paying attention. Hopefully others with in the organization are as well!

There was a little item I read on the weekend that Brian Burke may be the dream candiate for the MLSE powers that be for the Leafs but Burke could end up back in Vancouver. Too early to specualte on a successor, but it could mean a huge shake up of the organization.

Perhaps I should polish my resume. :laughing: :pimp:

I just hope Aquilini doesn't become a micro-manager ala George Stienbrenner or Harold Ballard or Bill Wirtz.

[rustybadcock]

Holy Snappin Crap!:D

I guess Francesco Aquilini was paying attention. Hopefully others with in the organization are as well!

There was a little item I read on the weekend that Brian Burke may be the dream candiate for the MLSE powers that be for the Leafs but Burke could end up back in Vancouver. Too early to specualte on a successor, but it could mean a huge shake up of the organization.

Perhaps I should polish my resume. :laughing: :pimp:

I just hope Aquilini doesn't become a micro-manager ala George Stienbrenner or Harold Ballard or Bill Wirtz.

I was thinking the same thing! Can I use you as a reference? :laughing: :laughing:

[TimmyTabasco]

Wow, what a surprise..didn't see it coming..atleast this soon anyway

But, welcome to the change

Nonis did a great job to acquire luongo, but thats about it

-Quinn? No thanks
-Bowman? Not sure..
-neil?

The canucks have to patient, and select the best possible GM

[AtLossForWords]

I agree with Timmy. As much as I wanted to see this happen, I didn't think I would be so delighted so soon.

Nonis will leave this organization a great gift, Roberto Luongo, and he may be staying in Vancouver after this contract expires because this move alone shows that this franchise does not tolerate failure to a futile degree.

I wouldn't be suprised to see the Canucks go with a veterean GM like Doug Armstrong or Neil Smith. I don't think we'll see another Burke spawn successor unless it's Burke himself as his contract expires this Summer with the Ducks, and I heard something about his wife wanting to be in B.C.

I would have to say no to Quinn and I don't think Bowman at his age would take this job.

The best part about this firing is that they will not be going into the draft with a GM that is in the last year of his contract who might do something very stupid.

I hope the Canucks find someone who is willing to make chages to this hockey team. I don't want to see the same plan continue, because then we might as well have stuck with Nonis.

[gordphish]

I agree with Timmy. As much as I wanted to see this happen, I didn't think I would be so delighted so soon.

Nonis will leave this organization a great gift, Roberto Luongo, and he may be staying in Vancouver after this contract expires because this move alone shows that this franchise does not tolerate failure to a futile degree.

I wouldn't be suprised to see the Canucks go with a veterean GM like Doug Armstrong or Neil Smith. I don't think we'll see another Burke spawn successor unless it's Burke himself as his contract expires this Summer with the Ducks, and I heard something about his wife wanting to be in B.C.

I would have to say no to Quinn and I don't think Bowman at his age would take this job.

The best part about this firing is that they will not be going into the draft with a GM that is in the last year of his contract who might do something very stupid.

I hope the Canucks find someone who is willing to make chages to this hockey team. I don't want to see the same plan continue, because then we might as well have stuck with Nonis.

Which is why I don't want Brian Burke back here. All Nonis really did was hold on to Burke's core until it withered, died, rotted on the vine and stank up the whole west coast. In fact, if they do hire Burke again, I might just ignore them altogether until he runs his course for the second time. Hiring him back just to make his dimwit of a wife happy is about the dumbest reason to hire a GM. Burke lucked into a Cup in Anaheim, period, end of discussion.

No thanks to Grandpa Burke, either. Been there, done that. Just another walking ego that thinks he's smarter than everyone else but doesn't have the Cup rings to prove it. And worse, he usually brings Mike Penny the Draft Killer with him.

Bowman as GM? Not so sure. He was put on this earth to do one thing; coach. Maybe as Yzerman's assistant?

Please, please, please for the love of all the hockey gods in Puck Heaven, please bring us a GM that has won Stanley Cups before as a player. No more lawyers, no more walking egos, no more graduates of the Stand Pat school of General Managing. Steve Yzerman, Scott Neidermayer, I'd even take Mark Messier at this point. Just someone who knows how to do it and wants desperately to do it again.

And if it's Trevor Linden, I seriously think the Canuck fan in me will just up and blow his brains out.

[rustybadcock]

I don't mind the idea of Messier.

My cat just told me Larry Robinson is in the mix.

:coffee:

RB

[KB in Kelowna]

As I mentioned earlier, perhaps at some other place, Nonis was Stan McCammon's man. He got the job because of his contract negotiating prowess, which was thought to be inportant in the cap era, not for his hockey acumen.

I am not sold on the return of Brian Burke, he lucked into Niedermayer, Selanne and Pronger. Even Burke is quick to give credit to Brian Murray for the young corps players that Murray drafted. I don't think he is the right guy to rebuild with.

Pat Quinn - pass.

Neil Smith, yes he won a cup, but that was 14 years ago, and all he did was get players that made his superstar Messier happy. They gassed Roger Nielsen as coach because Messier did not like Nielsen style. I am not sure Smith can rebuild a team.

I think anyone out of Detroit be it Holland, Nill or Yzerman would be a good fit.

Another question is what happens to Coach V?

[gordphish]

As I mentioned earlier, perhaps at some other place, Nonis was Stan McCammon's man. He got the job because of his contract negotiating prowess, which was thought to be inportant in the cap era, not for his hockey acumen.

I am not sold on the return of Brian Burke, he lucked into Niedermayer, Selanne and Pronger. Even Burke is quick to give credit to Brian Murray for the young corps players that Murray drafted. I don't think he is the right guy to rebuild with.

Pat Quinn - pass.

Neil Smith, yes he won a cup, but that was 14 years ago, and all he did was get players that made his superstar Messier happy. They gassed Roger Nielsen as coach because Messier did not like Nielsen style. I am not sure Smith can rebuild a team.

I think anyone out of Detroit be it Holland, Nill or Yzerman would be a good fit.

Another question is what happens to Coach V?

I think that unless Tambellini is the replacement, Vigneault is gone. The new GM will want his own man behind the bench, and it's as simple as that. There is the chance that Tambellini would give Vigneault the last year of his deal to rework his magic of last season, but that chance is small at best.

Tambellini, I'd be concerned with how much he would just be a continuation of the same regime that has ruled here for the last 20 years. With 20 million of cap space available to this team, there is a chance to this summer to really alter the direction of the team, and it seems to me that that is what the Acquillini's are looking for.

Look, what this came down to was that Nonis was never able to sieze the opportunities that were presented to him.

He had an entire third of the league available to him through free agency coming out of the lockout and likely the best player available at the time in Niedermayer wanting to play here. He stood pat.

He finally found a player in Anson Carter that made the Sedins better players, the guy came cheap even at 2.5 mil per year for a 30 goal scorer, and he let him go.

He had a huge asset to work with in Jovanovski. Regardless if where the team was in the standings, it was obvious Jovo wasn't part of Nonis' vision here. He should have traded Jovo instead of letting him walk for nothing.

Nonis was one of the Crosby draft lottery winners, moving up from 23rd to 10th, giving him the opportunity to draft an impact player and he took a project defenseman instead.

With the team enjoying the best regular season in franchise history, he had the opportunity to add an impact player at the deadline and chose to tinker with the lineup instead.

He had opportunities through free agency to address the team's scoring problems and chose to add players like Bulis, Chouinard, Isbister, Ritchie and Beech.

Just one missed opportunity after another. It's no wonder ownership had no confidence in Nonis going forward in what could be the most critical off season in the club's entire history.

[KB in Kelowna]

I agree on the Jovo thing, it is crazy to let a player walk and not generate a return, especailly if that guy does not fit into your long term plans. Sam Pollack was not afraid to move guys to acquire assets, as much as I dislike the Av's Pierre Lacroix would move players to get what he felt the team needed, hell even traded his own kid once!

The first question they should ask at the GM interviews is "What is your goal for this job" the answer better be "Winning the Stanley Cup" followed by "and creating a culture of winnning when we are expected to contend on yearly basis." No more of make the playoffs and hope for a Cinderella run crap.

[gordphish]

I agree on the Jovo thing, it is crazy to let a player walk and not generate a return, especailly if that guy does not fit into your long term plans. Sam Pollack was not afraid to move guys to acquire assets, as much as I dislike the Av's Pierre Lacroix would move players to get what he felt the team needed, hell even traded his own kid once!

The first question they should ask at the GM interviews is "What is your goal for this job" the answer better be "Winning the Stanley Cup" followed by "and creating a culture of winnning when we are expected to contend on yearly basis." No more of make the playoffs and hope for a Cinderella run crap.

Absolutely. You know, Francesco spoke a lot about leadership at the press conference. How do you think guys like Luongo and Naslund felt when they heard the GM say things like "hey, once you get to the playoffs anything can happen" or "only one team wins the Stanley Cup anyways" every trade deadline? I think those excuses speak directly to Nonis' leadership, and if he was feeding that same crap to the Acquillinis, well...hello pink slip.

Who was the idiot who asked Acquillini what hockey people he is listening to? Like you can only know the game if you work inside the game? How stupid, old school boys club is that? Do they think someone who sits and watches the game for 30 plus years knows nothing about the game? Acquillini has been a long term season ticket holder here...he's had a front row seat for what this team has done for 3 decades. I don't think he has to listen to anyone but himself when it comes to making decisions about his hockey team.

And for the people who are complaining about what how Francesco presented himself at the presser...what did you expect him to say? What did you want him to say? Did you want to him to sit there and blow smoke up your porthole like the gaggle of lawyers we've had in charge of this team over the last 20 years? Obviously he's not going to get into specifics. That would be dangerous, unproffessional and suicidal.

I myself found it refreshing amd as honost as it could be. He wants this team to win a Stanley Cup. He wants the right leadership in place to do that. He doesn't think Nonis is that person. All I needed to know until he has a replacement, thank-you very much. Who cares if he isn't the greatest public speaker? How many times did McCaw address the media that way here?

Try to see past the way things are presented to you and what the message being sent is. 5 year rebuilding plans are a falacy. How many seasons did it take Feaster to win the Cup in Tampa? How about Burke in Anaheim? How many seasons has it taken Gainey and Carbo to put the Habs back on top in the east? How many teams have we seen like Dallas and San Jose that have missed the playoffs just once and then risen back in to legitimate contention? Look at New Jersey, look at Carolina, look at Anaheim. Look at Philly this year, for that matter.

Today was about Aquillini setting a standard of excellence here, and that's a good thing. I would be shocked to the core if he brought in a blast from the past that couldn't win here the first time around. With what I heard today, I fully expect to see the GM chair to be filled with a proven winner, and that means with someone who won mutliple Stanley Cups in his career.

[TimmyTabasco]

Poisson,

I fully understand what your saying, and agree a change was in order

Lets not forget, this team did finish 3rd in the conference, only last season

And, Nonis didnt have this offseason to prove he could add scoring to this team

So, I feel quite sorry for the guy..as he always came across as a nice person

But at the end of the day, he didn't finish his job..which was to acquire scoring talent. Would have he had success? Who knows..

Perhaps he's better off as a right hand man, and not the guy running the show

About the replacements..One name, Ken Holland. You want a winner, go hard after him

Another name being mentioned is Murray in Anaheim

But, I must say..a big no to Burke, Smith, and Armstrong

[gordphish]

Poisson,

I fully understand what your saying, and agree a change was in order

Lets not forget, this team did finish 3rd in the conference, only last season

Thanks to Roberto Luongo.

And, Nonis didnt have this offseason to prove he could add scoring to this team

No, he only had all of last season, all of last summer and this season, up to and including the trade deadline to that.

So, I feel quite sorry for the guy..as he always came across as a nice person

Has nothing to do with what the team does on the ice.

But at the end of the day, he didn't finish his job..which was to acquire scoring talent. Would have he had success? Who knows..

Perhaps he's better off as a right hand man, and not the guy running the show

About the replacements..One name, Ken Holland. You want a winner, go hard after him

Another name being mentioned is Murray in Anaheim

But, I must say..a big no to Burke, Smith, and Armstrong

Let's not forget that they really only had one half of a great season last year. Until Christmas, they were right where they finished this season. And without Luongo, they would have been out in 5 against Dallas in the playoffs.

Yes he got Luongo here, but how long do you give him a pass for one deal he made 2 years ago?

Even with a completely healthy defense, can anyone truly say that this team was any better than it was last season? Was it any closer to winning 2 or more rounds in the playoffs? With no special teams quarterback? With Ryan Shannon and Jason Jaffrey trying to provide them with secondary scoring?

I really don't get this attitude that he should have been given another year....why? He had two full seasons to add to the offense. HE chose not to. Even with knowing that he had 20 million of cap space coming this year, who was he spending that money on? Pettinger and Brunnstrom? How were those two any different from any the other reclamation projects he brought in here, from Noronen to Beech? What indications of any kind did we see from him that he was prepared to change that mindset?

And again, if he was doing such a great job of drafting, who was going to step into the lineup from the Moose next year and have enough of an impact to improve the hockey team? Michael Grabner, who only managed 22 goals with the Moose this year? A guy that was drafted for his SCORING?

There is no question that what Acquillini did today was the right thing to do. If for no other reason than that they have to find a way to keep Luongo interested in staying here beyond NEXT SEASON. Because if wants out, you have to move him during the 2009-2010 season, the very season he will backstop Canada in the Olympics IN THIS CITY.

It does not hurt this club in the least to get a GM in here that has won Cups before and KNOWS HOW TO DO IT. Now if they turn it over to Burke, Quinn or Linden, then they are in big, big trouble and today was a MAJOR mistake. But I just don't get the feeling that this is the case. The Acquillinis are not stupid and they know that Nonis can be a good GM under the right circumstances. They also know that the move today is about moving this team forward, making it better and getting it a Stanley Cup. They have to know that none of Burke, Quinn or Linden will do any better here than Nonis.

This was not a move made because their was a personality conflict within the team, or because they want to save money, or because there was power struggle of some kind with the administration. It was made because the Aquillinis want to win a Stanley Cup and don't think Nonis can win it for them.

[rustybadcock]

Absolutely. You know, Francesco spoke a lot about leadership at the press conference. How do you think guys like Luongo and Naslund felt when they heard the GM say things like "hey, once you get to the playoffs anything can happen" or "only one team wins the Stanley Cup anyways" every trade deadline? I think those excuses speak directly to Nonis' leadership, and if he was feeding that same crap to the Acquillinis, well...hello pink slip.

Who was the idiot who asked Acquillini what hockey people he is listening to? Like you can only know the game if you work inside the game? How stupid, old school boys club is that? Do they think someone who sits and watches the game for 30 plus years knows nothing about the game? Acquillini has been a long term season ticket holder here...he's had a front row seat for what this team has done for 3 decades. I don't think he has to listen to anyone but himself when it comes to making decisions about his hockey team.

And for the people who are complaining about what how Francesco presented himself at the presser...what did you expect him to say? What did you want him to say? Did you want to him to sit there and blow smoke up your porthole like the gaggle of lawyers we've had in charge of this team over the last 20 years? Obviously he's not going to get into specifics. That would be dangerous, unproffessional and suicidal.

I myself found it refreshing amd as honost as it could be. He wants this team to win a Stanley Cup. He wants the right leadership in place to do that. He doesn't think Nonis is that person. All I needed to know until he has a replacement, thank-you very much. Who cares if he isn't the greatest public speaker? How many times did McCaw address the media that way here?

Try to see past the way things are presented to you and what the message being sent is. 5 year rebuilding plans are a falacy. How many seasons did it take Feaster to win the Cup in Tampa? How about Burke in Anaheim? How many seasons has it taken Gainey and Carbo to put the Habs back on top in the east? How many teams have we seen like Dallas and San Jose that have missed the playoffs just once and then risen back in to legitimate contention? Look at New Jersey, look at Carolina, look at Anaheim. Look at Philly this year, for that matter.

Today was about Aquillini setting a standard of excellence here, and that's a good thing. I would be shocked to the core if he brought in a blast from the past that couldn't win here the first time around. With what I heard today, I fully expect to see the GM chair to be filled with a proven winner, and that means with someone who won mutliple Stanley Cups in his career.

Agreed gord. Especially with the boys club part. It's a bunch of shet that has led many a men down a rocky road. Funny really, this entire situation really proves that Vancity fans are in fact, the worst out there. Sorry to say it but these people don't know shet from shinola. And their number one leaders are Ed Willis and that Tony Gallagar phuck. The Vancouver sports media leadership should take a page from the Aqualini book of conduct and clean their house too. I was just reading some total crap from Ed Willis who essentially not only called this move bullshit, he called down Aqualini. To further your point about hockey knowledge....I say this. Francesco knows how to make money and that was the first thing I liked about him. He's a fan of the team and he knows and wants two things. A cup and money. Well, do one and the other will follow. He knows that being a Canadian team that can actually win it and DOES win it will bring huge profits. Also, in the end, I don't question a man of his successes decision making process. We all knew Nonis needed to go....so did another big fan....Nonis's boss. ;) :thumb:

I like the fact that he took a stand. In a culture where we reward second third and forth place (or 9th in this case :rolleyes: ) he took a man while still under contract and had the courage to make the "tough" decisions. And in the end, if this fails, which it wont, I still maintain that he had the courage to do what he knew in his head and his heart was right.

So who gets the job gord? You want a proven multiple winner? Who? I don't mind Tobasco's suggestion of Nil. Sorta forgot about him but he's done good work for the Wings. So who is it? OR, does he take a stab at himself? Maybe he pulls a move like that rich dude who bought that basketball team? (forgetting his name??)

All in all I think the decision needs to be made swiftly.

RB

[KB in Kelowna]

Maybe he pulls a move like that rich dude who bought that basketball team? (forgetting his name??)


RB

Mark Cuban- you're welcome;)

As for the Vancouver media, you can see my comments in that thread. Further to that I think maybe Francesco took my advise and asked Gordo's questions during his performance review with Nonis.

Edit:
I can't believe what I have heard from some media reports, criticism of Ownership for firing Nonis, and for how Aquilini spoke or mispoke at the press conference. I am in Toastmasters and yes he is not a polished public speaker, but he made the point that the goal should be to win the Stanley Cup, not just make the playoffs and hope, to quote Mr. Aqulini "No Excuses".

I am sure Dave Nonis is a very nice personable, smart, good guy. However when you are someonelse's hire and you don't meet the preformance expectations of your boss, you get canned. It is not the most pleasent expereince in the world ( I know), but put on your big boy underpants and move on with life.

[gordphish]

The smartest thing the Acquillinis could do now is wait. I don't care about all this garbage about needing someone in place well before the draft. It's one draft. Let the dust settle on the season, have a list of people that you want, and start at the top.

In that regard, I agree with Sauce Man. Ken Holland should top that list, so you have to wait until Detroit is finished and ask their permission to talk with him. If you can't get it and Holland wants to stay in Detroit, then scratch him off the list and move on.

But the most important thing to do is identify who the right man is, whether he's employed already or not, and explore every avenue and possibility there is to get him.

If that means waiting until June or even July to finalize the process, so be it.

I mean, what if they jump the gum and hire someone like Brian Lawton tomorrow just to have a GM in place well before the draft, and when the Wings season is over Holland steps aside for Yzerman?

[strelnikov]

I heard on TEAM radio today that the major conflict between Aquilini and Nonis was that Aquilini wanted to trade Edler and Kesler (& likely 1st & 2nd drafts) to get Brad Richards. Nonis refused and this is what done him in. If this is true, then I fear for the team. It looks like the old grab for now and to hell with the future. If Acquilini tries to intimidate the manager to get a quick fix, the team is in trouble.

On the other hand, Nonis is far too concervative, stockpiling too many little europeans after being manhandled by Anaheim in the playoffs. Missing out on Milan Lucic (especially when he was right at out back door) is questionable.

The new manager will have to have a strength of character and be visionary. He will have to be like Burke and tell the owner that "there can only be one set of hands on the wheel." That's why someone who has been around and won cups like Holland is inviting. He could also bring some of his scouts with him.

The team will thrive if the manager is tough and futuristic. It will sink if he lets ownership dictate terms. The last thing we need is another Harold Ballard running the team.

[KB in Kelowna]

Was it just me or did Nonis' performance reminicent of that of "Bagdad Bob" Saddam Hussien's apologist just after the American's invaded.:pimp:

[grim]

Who should be GM?


Muckler!!

+2

Thank you

[KB in Kelowna]

Muckler!!

+2

Thank you
Ah just like old times:nod:

[gordphish]

I heard on TEAM radio today that the major conflict between Aquilini and Nonis was that Aquilini wanted to trade Edler and Kesler (& likely 1st & 2nd drafts) to get Brad Richards. Nonis refused and this is what done him in. If this is true, then I fear for the team. It looks like the old grab for now and to hell with the future. If Acquilini tries to intimidate the manager to get a quick fix, the team is in trouble.

On the other hand, Nonis is far too concervative, stockpiling too many little europeans after being manhandled by Anaheim in the playoffs. Missing out on Milan Lucic (especially when he was right at out back door) is questionable.

The new manager will have to have a strength of character and be visionary. He will have to be like Burke and tell the owner that "there can only be one set of hands on the wheel." That's why someone who has been around and won cups like Holland is inviting. He could also bring some of his scouts with him.

The team will thrive if the manager is tough and futuristic. It will sink if he lets ownership dictate terms. The last thing we need is another Harold Ballard running the team.

How is Brad Richards, a player that has won the MVP of both the Stanley Cup and Memorial Cup playoffs, a Stanley Cup, has 500 points in 564 career NHL games, 50 points in 49 playoff games, turns just 28 next month and is under contract for three more years after this season a "quick fix"? We're not talking about Barry Pedersen or Mark Messier here. Richards is an elite NHL centre JUST ENTERING HIS PRIME.

If the deal was just Edler and Kesler, hell, even with their first round pick thrown in, you do that in freaking heartbeat. Guys like Kesler have been easy for this team to come by. Players like Richards haven't been.

It wasn't that black and white anyway. The Richards deal or the decision to fire Nonis. This is just more media BS...

[grim]

Ah just like old times:nod:

Old? Times? Don't call Muckler old. Johnny is not that old... he's only... no wait... he is old. Old times eh? I don't have any more gifts of illefal yellow margarine for your forum visionaries, if that's what you mean. Listen... that margarine was not even mine man. I forgot I even had it in the trunk.

[grim]

How is Brad Richards, a player that has won the MVP of both the Stanley Cup and Memorial Cup playoffs, a Stanley Cup, has 500 points in 564 career NHL games, 50 points in 49 playoff games, turns just 28 next month and is under contract for three more years after this season a "quick fix"? We're not talking about Barry Pedersen or Mark Messier here. Richards is an elite NHL centre JUST ENTERING HIS PRIME.

If the deal was just Edler and Kesler, hell, even with their first round pick thrown in, you do that in freaking heartbeat. Guys like Kesler have been easy for this team to come by. Players like Richards haven't been.

It wasn't that black and white anyway. The Richards deal or the decision to fire Nonis. This is just more media BS...

He's damaged goods. Word is Brad is the step-nephew of Crazy Bob "The Dolphin" Richards, who is distantly related to Harold Ballard. Its too big a risk.

[AtLossForWords]

How is Brad Richards, a player that has won the MVP of both the Stanley Cup and Memorial Cup playoffs, a Stanley Cup, has 500 points in 564 career NHL games, 50 points in 49 playoff games, turns just 28 next month and is under contract for three more years after this season a "quick fix"? We're not talking about Barry Pedersen or Mark Messier here. Richards is an elite NHL centre JUST ENTERING HIS PRIME.

If the deal was just Edler and Kesler, hell, even with their first round pick thrown in, you do that in freaking heartbeat. Guys like Kesler have been easy for this team to come by. Players like Richards haven't been.

It wasn't that black and white anyway. The Richards deal or the decision to fire Nonis. This is just more media BS...

As much as I would hate to get rid of a perenial Selke candidate in Kesler along with a guy like Edler who could very well become a number one defenseman, I would consider it for a guy like Richards, Spezza, or Malkin.

This team will never draft a bona fide number one center. They never have and when they won big time in the Crosby draft they balked on Kopitar for a project defenseman. Even when this team has the option to make an immediate impact in drafting a number one center they have passed.

When you look at how the Canucks have come across guys like Kesler, Chubarov, Cooke, and Burrows it shows you how much easier it is to draft a shutdown guy than a number one center.

Brad Richards would have been that guy, and players like that rarely become available.

One thing that I hope this new GM is brought into do is to find a way to make the "Richards deal" happen now. By that I mean that Aquillini is going to be searching for a guy who can bring a number one center to the Vancouver Canucks. That's the best thing fans can hope for.

[gordphish]

As much as I would hate to get rid of a perenial Selke candidate in Kesler along with a guy like Edler who could very well become a number one defenseman, I would consider it for a guy like Richards, Spezza, or Malkin.

This team will never draft a bona fide number one center. They never have and when they won big time in the Crosby draft they balked on Kopitar for a project defenseman. Even when this team has the option to make an immediate impact in drafting a number one center they have passed.

When you look at how the Canucks have come across guys like Kesler, Chubarov, Cooke, and Burrows it shows you how much easier it is to draft a shutdown guy than a number one center.

Brad Richards would have been that guy, and players like that rarely become available.

One thing that I hope this new GM is brought into do is to find a way to make the "Richards deal" happen now. By that I mean that Aquillini is going to be searching for a guy who can bring a number one center to the Vancouver Canucks. That's the best thing fans can hope for.

Absolutely agreed.

What people have to do is think past these black and white poll questions that sensationalists like Dave Pratt put in front of them. There isn't a GM in the league that would have traded Kesler, Edler, Raymond and a 1st, 2nd and 3rd round pick for Brad Richards, and guys like Pratt know that. Hell, I don't think you'd find many GMs that would give up that much for Crosby or Ovechkin. What Pratt wants is to light up his phone boards and get people talking about it, because that means people are listening, Mr. Team is happy and Big Daddy keeps his job, his Spider and his nice little condo in the West End.

But consider where Feaster was coming from. He knew he had a deal working with Dallas for a goalie that he was comfortable with in Smith. He knew he was sitting on a player in Prospal that he could move to someone for a young defenseman. So he made the smart move and asked Nonis for the moon, and waited to see what would shake loose.

Let's say I was sitting on a mint Bobby Orr rookie card that I was prepared to move and Tabasco wanted it, and let's say the card's bluebook value was 10 grand. I know I'm not going to get ten grand because Tabasco is going to want more than just sentimental value out of the card, so if I get 8 grand I'll be thrilled. Timmy knows I have no reason to part with the card if I don't want to, and he knows I'm going to try and get as close to ten grand as I can. So I tell Timmy to make me an offer, knowing full well he's going to low ball me. He offers me 6500, knowing that if his first offer is even close to 8, he's going to end up paying closer to ten. I counter with 9 grand, knowing that if I counter with 8 off the hop, I'm going to end up with something closer 7 grand. Eventually we agree on 7800, both knowing full well before we even started talking that that was the number that was going to get the deal done.

I still believe that a deal that included Edler, Schneider and Morrison would have brought Richards here. That deal addressed all of Feaster's needs and still allowed Nonis to make a deal that came from a position of strength. Hell, Feaster knows Schneider is a better player than Smith, and he wasn't going to make a deal that was going to take him out of the Stamkos sweepstakes at that point. In the end, I think that if one of either Kesler or Edler was included in the deal, Brad Richards would be a Canuck.

Think about where this team could be right now had Nonis had even half a brain. With the Neidermayers, Luongo and Richards on this team, would they be in the playoffs right now? You bet your best pennyloafers they would.

[TimmyTabasco]

Whatever. We didn't get Richards, move on

Anyway, this organization has a lot of question marks. If they want to sign players, they have to get things fixed..for the longterm

Isn't this a team that has already gone thru one pretty big change? So, who's to say another isn't going happen next season?

Remember, they totally changed their identity to a hard working team, had an off year, and now are looking to again change that identity

Who would want to sign with a team, that appears to be indecisive? Sure, you'll get icetime..but

This will be a tough task for the new GM

For example, if they hire Armstrong, the team will stay pretty much the same style..hard working, defensive. So, it would be easier to re-create that identity that produced 49 wins..with ofcourse more offense added. But then, there is the playoff question..

I read a report about Gillis..anyone else read the same article? He would be an interesting choice..

Article (http://www.canada.com/theprovince/news/sports/story.html?id=c7bf1d1b-5867-44a9-bc0b-762a7239f8d2&k=35161)

[strelnikov]

To keep the analogy with AK in Kelown, Nonis was responding as best he could when confronted by "Chemical Ali". But the post mortems haves stopped serving their purpose.

The future is now. Some super agents have been successful. At least they will be on top of negotiations and have good networking. The thing is to bring some scouting help. If Chris Beach can also skate, there has to be a way to trade down to get the big, tough (not Pyatt) centre who can score. Canucks need grit as well as scoring.

[gordphish]

Whatever. We didn't get Richards, move on

Anyway, this organization has a lot of question marks. If they want to sign players, they have to get things fixed..for the longterm

Isn't this a team that has already gone thru one pretty big change? So, who's to say another isn't going happen next season?

Remember, they totally changed their identity to a hard working team, had an off year, and now are looking to again change that identity

Who would want to sign with a team, that appears to be indecisive? Sure, you'll get icetime..but

This will be a tough task for the new GM

For example, if they hire Armstrong, the team will stay pretty much the same style..hard working, defensive. So, it would be easier to re-create that identity that produced 49 wins..with ofcourse more offense added. But then, there is the playoff question..

I read a report about Gillis..anyone else read the same article? He would be an interesting choice..

Article (http://www.canada.com/theprovince/news/sports/story.html?id=c7bf1d1b-5867-44a9-bc0b-762a7239f8d2&k=35161)

These are my concerns with Gillis and Lawton...that they would essentially be bean counters expected to handle the financial end of things while the Aquilinis make the hockey decisions, and their inexperience. As the article you provided pointed out Timmy, the last 20 years here have been put in the hands of first time GMs. In Nonis' case it has been particularly destructive, as his 'rookie' mistakes have potentially set this team back a half a decade at least.

What I like about Smith is 1) his ability to assess talent.

2) He understands one of the most important pillars of good management; surround yourself with good people. In the case of an NHL hockey team, this means people that have won before

3) His experience, most especially in one of the most demanding sports markets on the planet.

4) And again, as your article has pointed out, Smith has excellent pedigree. He was an integral part of building the Islander dynasty as a scout, played a large role in laying down the foundation for the Wings becoming one of the best and most dominant clubs in all of sports, again, as a scout, and won a Stanley Cup as GM for the Rangers. Smith is a builder, a damn good one at that.

However, there has to be a reason as to why he hasn't remained employed by a club since being fired by the Rangers. Perhaps he simply wants too much control...ie "I want total autonomy over the team and I'll be hiring all my own people, from the coaches to the scouts to the trainers and equipment managers." In today's NHL, most owners want stability above and beyond everything else. Chaos can have an immediate effect on the bottom line, which is the profit margin.

I don't think it serves this club anything good to bring in yet another first time GM. Francesco talked about wanting the right leadership. How do you get a sense of how well a guy can lead an NHL team as GM if he hasn't done it before? This is an opportunity to move the team forward, and if they just replace Nonis with Tambellini, Gillis or Lawton, all it ends up being is a move sideways. If you are going to go with inexperience at the GM level, at least go with someone like Mark Messier, Steve Yzerman, Scott Stevens or Scott Neidermayer.

Bring in someone who has been a part of building and winning Stanley Cups before. I can't stress the importance of that enough. I've said it many times in the past; there is a reason the same names keep reappearing on the Stanley Cup.

[charlio lemieux]

Give Scotty Bowman the blank cheque the Leafs wouldn't.
The only stipulation should be that he also hires an assistant to school while he runs the club. When his 2 or 3 year contract is up, his student would be ready to take over.

Seriously, why F*ck around? Bowman is the best hockey mind out there, get him and go for it. The Leafs made a huge mistake by not handing him the keys and letting him do whatever he wants. The Canucks should take advantage of this, even if there is only a miniscule chance he would come to Vancouver, he should atleast be made an offer.

[gordphish]

Give Scotty Bowman the blank cheque the Leafs wouldn't.
The only stipulation should be that he also hires an assistant to school while he runs the club. When his 2 or 3 year contract is up, his student would be ready to take over.

Seriously, why F*ck around? Bowman is the best hockey mind out there, get him and go for it. The Leafs made a huge mistake by not handing him the keys and letting him do whatever he wants. The Canucks should take advantage of this, even if there is only a miniscule chance he would come to Vancouver, he should atleast be made an offer.

Bowman was the GM of the Sabres for a while and didn't do all that great of a job. As I've said, I think Bowman was born to coach.

I wouldn't mind if they made him President and Yzerman the GM, but I'm not 100% convinced that Bowman would be the no brainer GM some think he would be, and Zimmerman seems pretty well entrenched as the President.

Besides, why would Bowman move all the way out to Vancouver at his age? His home is in Buffalo. I think that if you do raid Detroit, you have a better chance at getting Holland and/or Nill than you do Bowman. Holland's family live in Vernon and Nill has ties to the organization as a former player.

Another name to keep in mind is Bob Nicholson.

[AtLossForWords]

I don't think there are any no brainer candiates out there right now. I think Holland or Nil would be good choices, because they assemble a contender every year, but all the same those guys have not had too much success lately. Detroit hasn't won since Yzerman and Shanahan left town, so who's to say Holland wasn't just lucky like Burke to have a successful team with key contributors falling into his lap?

Armstrong built some good teams in Dallas after Gainey left, but there was very little playoff success.

Agents are good guys to hire if what you're concered with is signing players to contracts, but knowing to pitch a deal to a player is different from knowing how to build a Cup winning franchise.

Neil Smith is a great candidate if he wants the job. He knows the difference between who is a considerable contributor to his team and who is not. He has won in big markets with pressure on his shoulders. Even if Smith rubs Aquilini the wrong way he will set this team on the right track. However the problem with him is that since he is a cage rattler, he may not stay long at all. That leaves the door wide open for another Nonis/ lame duck GM to take the job and screw things up.

There isn't a clear cut best candidate, but the list of candidates won't even be complete until after the playoffs. You could see Murray, Martin, Holland, Burke, Armstrong, and others go in an out of availability.

[TimmyTabasco]

Holland/Tambellini...

That would be a very good GM/asst.GM pairing. Both have worked together for Team Canada

But..chances are that Holland isn't available. So, Nill? He seems to be an alright choice

However, keep hearing the name of Gillis..