Fan In Van

Meet The Candidates

The Dave Nonis burial is complete. Both owner Francesco Aquilini and ex-GM Nonis have had their say in the matter, and now it’s time for both parties to move on. While Nonis is currently unemployed, the Canuck organization must move forward and select a new face very soon if they’re going to have any chance at landing Fabian Brunnstrom in addition to preparing for the entry draft and free agency.

The new general manager will have all of those tough tasks, but the list doesn’t end there. That person must decide on the ultimate fate of head coach Alain Vigneault, the decision of bringing back any of Markus Naslund, Brendan Morrison, Trevor Linden and others, as well as clear anyone whom he feels unfit to be in the Canuck organization; Steve Tambellini (assistant GM) and Ron Delorme (chief of scouting) being a few examples.

So without further ado, let’s meet the suitors:

Steve Tambellini – The Canucks may dig within their franchise once again, as they did when replacing Marc Crawford with Alain Vigneault. Tambellini has been eyeing a GM position for years, playing second fiddle since the Brian Burke era in the mid-90s. I should mention an odd tidbit: Both the Aquilini’s, Tambellini and Luongo are all Italian… “Ah, fuggeda ’bout it.”

Brian Burke – While Burke was once scorned by the very same Canuck franchise three years ago, it was under odd terms. Then-CEO Stan McCammon wanted Burke out from the get-go for his “outgoing” personality. However, McCammon has since left the franchise and Burke was recently voted The Hockey News’ #1 general manager. Burke’s wife Jennifer Mather is also a broadcaster based in Vancouver. However the fact that Burke and Nonis are close friends may present a hinderance, and because Burke has already had a long tenure with the franchise, many aren’t wise to the idea of bringing the fighting Irishman back for a second stint.

John Muckler – Muckler has been in hockey for over fifty years. That’s a large number of years more than Dave Nonis had, so if it’s experience the Aqualini’s want, they won’t get much more then with Muckler. He was the general manager of the Ottawa Senators for six seasons and helped guide them to their first Stanley Cup final in franchise history after being playoff contenders for a handful of seasons. If Muckler were to be hired by the Canucks, it would be his first stint with a Western Conference franchise.

Jim Nill – Nill is currently employed by the Detroit Red Wings as their assistant general manager and has been in the organization for 14 years. He is largely responsible for the Red Wings’ scouting, having been their head amateur scout since 1994. He has won three Cups with the Wings. The fact is, if you love the way Detroit steals such good talent, all fingers are pointed at this man and his ability to steal talent during late rounds.

Doug Armstrong – Armstrong was fired in November of this season following the Stars’ dismal 7-7-3 start, replaced by Brett Hull and Les Jackson. He was first promoted in 2002 to the position of general manager. Unlike Dave Nonis, Armstrong does not shy away from making trades. He landed Stu Barnes, Mike Ribeiro, Stephane Robidas and Niklas Hagman for a combined Janne Niinimaa, 2nd round pick, 7th round pick, conditional pick and two prospects. All four are still on the team and all four are key players to the Stars’ success. The adjustment would not be too difficult for Armstrong as he would be dealing with the same type of roster: A team centred around a world-class goaltender built on winning with solid defence.

Pat Quinn – This is a man who has the Canucks’ flying skate tattooed to his chest and a man who still lives in Vancouver. Quinn has indicated countlessly he wants back in. But like Brian Burke, many are hesitant to give Quinn a second go-around with the team. While he has encountered much success in the 1990s, he has had limited success in the second millennium, having endured a lengthy stint with the Maple Leafs. Don’t forget that Quinn was fired when John McCaw became owner of the Canucks in 1997, and the same thing happened 11 years later with Aqualini and Nonis.

Brian Lawton — Word around the block is that the Canucks are interested in landing Lawton, considered one of the most disappointing first-overall draft picks in history. Lawton is currently a player agent, having represented the likes of Modano and Umberger. Perhaps the reason why the Aqualini’s are intrigued by the prospect of having a player agent take over as GM is his ability to have a close relationship with players. However, Lawton has zero GM experience.

The Dark Horses:

Trevor Linden – This is where I say “Stranger shit has happened”.

Mark Messier – Oh the humanity… please God, no.

John Ferguson Jr. – I’m not even going to comment on this.

Neil Smith – Was to be the GM of the Islanders until his abrupt firing by owner Charles Wang and was replaced by Garth Snow.