|
Dom Waddell; GM Search; & Predicting the AHL Eastern Conference Finals |
|
|
|
|
|
BREAKING - 430p
Dom Waddell has joined the Columbus Blue Jackets in a “top hockey operations” position per Pierre LeBrun.
Could be general manager or a senior advisor role. President takeover is doubtful.
As mentioned this morning in my blog, pay for the best available.
More below
GM SEARCH
The Columbus Blue Jackets are continuing their search for the newest general manager for the franchise. The Blue Jackets appear to be interested in three general managers, despite the known rumors for one.
The Known
Mark Hunter (London Knights - OHL)
Hunter has been rumored for a while publicly, and has just come off an OHL championship victory, advancing to the Memorial Cup to join the QMJHL and WHL winners alongside the host city. Hunter was a previous assistant general manager for the Toronto Maple Leafs. There is also the London connection to Nash and the recent signings in Columbus.
The Interested
Don Waddell (formerly of Carolina Hurricanes)
The wanted man resigned from Carolina late in the week, and has already interviewed with the Blue Jackets’ brass for the vacant general manager spot. Waddell previously managed the Atlanta Thrashers and Hurricanes. With Carolina, he has had the team in the second and third rounds of the playoffs, but never in the Cup finals.
Ken Holland (Edmonton Oilers)
Holland is rumored to be near the end of his career and could be the mentor for an internal mentee to eventually take over the role. Holland managed the strong dynasty of the Detroit Red Wings, and has tweaked the Oilers through their run in the previous second and third rounds the past few years.
The Future
Rick Nash (Columbus)
The current manager of the Hockey Canada roster for the 2024 IIHF World Championship and director of player development for the Jackets. He is the suspected mentee in training to take over the general manager role for the team after the next one is axed, departed, or retiree.
Feedback
The future of the Blue Jackets is in the present. Whoever they decide on will control the team for the next couple of years. The right moves will propel this team in the direction of glory or doom. If the team is going for best manager available, lock up Waddell immediately.
Hershey v Cleveland
The Cleveland Monsters have swept the Syracuse Crunch 3-0 in the AHL North Division Finals, advancing to the AHL Eastern Conference Finals to face off with the defending AHL Calder Cup Champions, the Hershey Bears.
The Monsters are the Bears’ best match. Strong and deep goaltending with a young elite defensive group. The offense will be Vogelhuber’s biggest challenge against the veteran experience of the Hershey Bears.
Hershey is tough and strong. Dylan McIlrath is a strong leader for Hershey, and Hunter Sheppard has been one of the top goalies in the AHL all season. Hendrix Lappiere, Vincent Iorio, and Ivan Miroschenko are going to make the show. Miro is the X factor for the record tying best AHL club.
Cleveland will need the offense to get feisty and throw every puck at the Bears to open them up. Trey Fix-Wolansky is the guy that must score and lead the Monsters to the Cup final for the upset.
Hershey in 7. Cleveland will put up a hard fight. Hershey will be beat up. Good luck boys. This is the best series. The 2016 Calder Cup Final rematch.
Columbus Blue Jackets Blogger • 
Join the Discussion:
»
