Where did Jeff go?
He’s moved to a new location. Check him out on the new blogging platform and let him know what you think.
Home > Jeff Schultz > Archives > 2008 > May > 10
Saturday, May 10, 2008
Why promote Waddell?
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
For the past several weeks, rumors have floated through the offices of the Atlanta Spirit that Don Waddell was about to step into an executive position similar to that of the abruptly departed Bernie Mullin.
This prompted two immediate reactions from most rational, clear-thinking beings close to (or within) the Thrashers and Hawks: 1) Why promote somebody whose only previous position in Atlanta is largely viewed as a colossal failure? 2) Isn’t the aforementioned Mullin position the same job that led owner Michael Gearon to comment: “Even though we set it up originally to have [general managers] reporting to Bernie, that never really happened. We quickly realized we didn’t need a person between us and them.”
So. Pay an executive salary to a failed executive to fill a position that you’ve previously stated really doesn’t need filling. Perfect.
You want things to change.
We all want things to change.
Hey, maybe they are changing — and just nobody wants to admit it yet.
Gearon finally admitted late last week that promoting the Thrashers’ general manager to a high position within the Spirit group was being discussed. He also suggested that help might be brought in before the draft. He stopped short of saying Waddell would be stripped of draft duties. When asked directly if Waddell was definitely going to be the general manager next season, Gearon said he hadn’t thought about titles yet.
Sorry. Not buying it.
A story posted on ESPN.com Friday night reported Waddell already has been asked to give up his GM duties and accept another management position. Gearon refuted the story. Sort of. But in an e-mailed statement to the AJC’s Craig Custance, Gearon never clearly outlined Waddell’s role with the franchise or the company. It closed by saying: “We are focused on finding a coach, and getting ready for the draft and free agency.”
Nobody, not even Gearon, is disputing that the
Thrashers need fixing. Nobody is understating the importance of this draft (the Thrashers have two first round picks) or that the franchise is at a crossroads (they’ve failed to make the playoffs seven out of eight seasons, haven’t developed talent and their lone superstar, Ilya Kovalchuk, is understandably frustrated).
The Spirit owners probably believe firing Waddell doesn’t make them look good, given how long they’ve defended him. So if Waddell has time left on his contract — which has been reported but not confirmed — they could rationalize it doesn’t look as bad if he is kept in the company (albeit somewhat neutered). And Waddell? He still gets a nice office, a big salary and avoids public humiliation, biding his time until a real hockey job opens up.
Regardless, Gearon is doing all he can do to douse this story. He denies anybody in the Spirit has not spoken to any potential general manager candidate. But a Toronto newspaper already has reported that the Thrashers have made preliminary contact with David Nonis, the former Vancouver general manager.
A lot of people sure seem to be making up a lot of stories.
The Spirit never asked me for a game plan. But if Waddell is out, here’s a starter kit:
• 1) Call Brian Burke. He rebuilt Vancouver. He was the architect of Anaheim’s Stanley Cup. He recently flirted with Toronto, then said he’s returning to the Ducks for another year. But the plans seem murky. (Interesting history: Burke was a finalist for the Thrashers’ job in 1998. He desperately wanted it. But former team president Harvey Schiller was twiddling his thumbs on a decision, and Burke felt compelled to take the only offer on the table — from Vancouver.)
• 2) If Burke says no, phone Scotty Bowman. Offer him the world. If he says no, pay him to draw up a blueprint and suggest candidates.
• 3) 0-for-2? Contract any assistant general manager or personnel director from a franchise with a history of finding and developing talent: Detroit, Minnesota, Montreal, Buffalo, New Jersey, San Jose, Ottawa.
Here’s what you don’t do: Nothing.
Gearon’s statement included this gem: “Don is very highly respected in Atlanta, in NHL circles, and certainly among our ownership group.”
I’d like to see his polling numbers in Atlanta and NHL circles. Eight seasons of numbers don’t support that.
Permalink | Comments (54) | Post your comment | Categories: Thrashers/NHL
