Fan In Van

Gillis Signs Laurence Gilman

Laurence Gilman arrives on the scene from the Phoenix Coyotes and comes with an impressive hockey career, having been in the Coyotes organization since getting his first chance with the club in Winnipeg.

Oh, and I forgot to mention, Gilman is not the answer to the Canucks’ scoring problems. In fact, he’s not even a player.

Laurence Gilman is Mike Gillis’ first hiring to the Canuck executive office. Gilman was the assistant to Coyotes’ GM Mike Barnett (Another agent turned GM) up until Barnett was fired last fall. Gilman will be the Canucks salary capologist. He received his start in the NHL as a legal advisor with the Winnipeg Jets and moved with the franchise to Phoenix. Before he was fired along with general manager Mike Barnett a year ago, he also ran the Coyotes AHL affiliate in Utah.

And now, Google will tell us a little bit more about the Canucks’ new capologist:

When the next NHL general manager’s job opens up, don’t be surprised to see Laurence Gilman’s name climb to the top of the list of candidates. The Phoenix Coyotes assistant General Manager fits the new NHL mold perfectly — he’s an attorney with keen hockey knowledge and a thorough command of the CBA, a must for NHL executives these days. - MSG.com

Gilman spent 13 seasons with the Coyotes, the last six as assistant general manager. Earlier, he held several positions, including director of hockey administration and legal counsel. - Sports ESPN

“Possible Ferguson successors include Scotty Bowman, Glenn Healy, Neil Smith, Colin Campbell and other excellent GMs or assistants currently under contracts with other teams, including Detroit’s assistant GM Jim Nill and Phoenix assistant Laurence Gilman, considered one of the best legal-salary cap minds in the NHL.” - ProSportsDaily.com

Wow, and here you were, thinking this Gilman character was about to save the franchise!