Wednesday, April 23, 2008

Canucks set to select Gillis to run their team




All signs out of Vancouver are pointing to Player Agent Mike Gillis being named as the Vancouver Canucks new General Manager on Wednesday.

The Canucks who dismissed former GM Dave Nonis following their elimination from the Stanley Cup playoffs this year, will be facing a few pointed questions from the Vancouver media over their decision to go with relative inexperience in the upper offices of NHL management.

Gillis who has represented a fair number of past stars in the NHL such as Pavel Bure, the Courtnall brothers and Mike Richter as well as currently representing the Canuck's captain Markus Naslund, will now attempt to rebuild the Canucks for quick success, if all goes according to rumour tomorrow.

He was once considered before for the job, prior to the Brian Burke era, back when he perhaps Gillis was still a more vital cog in the hockey scene.

His rumoured appointment has already increased the dynamic between ownership and the media, with more than a few organizations and media debaters giving the idea a solid thumbs down, having looked for an expected a larger name with high profile and track record. Many had felt that long time Canuck Steve Tambellini was the logical choice, while others longed for the return of Pat Quinn or Brian Burke, the latter a notion that never really gained much traction.

Check out the CKNW Radio archives for a sampling of the Tuesday feedback to the prospect of the Gillis years to come. NW sports editorialist Neil MacRae offered up his thoughts at 8:15 am, while the Dan Russell sportstalk radio program from 9 pm to midnight, featured the fiery debate as well.

Vancouver Province-- Gillis good to go
Vancouver Province-- Appointment has 'wow' factor
Winnipeg Sun-- Bridesmaid again

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