GM of the Year?

Question

Hard to argue Paul Holmgren with the quick re-build he did. Locked up Coburn for a couple of years yesterday is another nice move.

Jeff- I agree and the amazing part is he actually at the same time added future talent while putting a competitive team on the ice.

Greg-some great trades indeed. Coburn for Zhitnik- the Oilers deal was a measterpiece- Biron for a 2nd round pick- a nice package for Forsberg-all good deals.
Maybe Toronto should trade a few picks to Philly in exchange for Holmgren. Don't laugh, I could envision it.

CDN Fan- Unless Sundin forgoes that no-trade clause, he too will be hard to move. I agree, who would even want that mess? Mind you, Philly stunk it up last year but like you said, there was still a core group with Richards,Carter, Gagne et al.

Answer 1

Can't argue with you on that one. Over the last 12 months since the beginning of 2007 when he started to dismantle the old and bring in the new like Biron at last years trading deadline until this years pickups there is no one close.

Interesting to see if anyone will duplicate it this year, Toronto needs it but un like the Flyers they do not have the core youth Richards et al, and their older assets will be harder to move with the exception of Sundin.

Edit: Sorry Bob I forgot about his no trade but I assume the guy is so loyal to TO that he would waive it to get them a draft pick or two. The overpaid defence core Kubina Gill and Macabe will be hard to move. Kaberle in my opinion is the one that you could move but the one you would want to keep.

Answer 2

What about the job that was done in St Louis? Or in Chicago? Those two teams are vastly improved so far this year.
I'm not saying the Flyers aren't improved, but after they got Biron last year they were better than .500.
I think if things go the way they are going Holmgren will get the nod but the work done in St Louis and Chicago has been outstanding.
I'd say Columbus as well but I think that is mostly Hitchcock.

Answer 3

Holmgren? For what?

My GM of the year vote goes to Dale Tallon, with Scott Howson in Columbus a close 2nd! Holmgren? With all the weak teams in the East I'm sure JFJ is a serious candidate


Seriously, at this point, it should come down to Tallon, Howson, and Holmgren. There's a long way to go between now and the end of the season so whichever team of these three keeps it up will bre rewarded handsomely

Answer 4

Homer is a godsend. He's done an outstanding job and I am astounded at how well the team got out of the gate. The fact that he was able to sign a player like Briere who isn't a "typical" Clarke acquisition is encouraging to me on many levels. Not the least of which being that he understands the current state of the NHL better than Bobby ever did.

I'm 12 hours behind the rest of the world. I was up all morning finishing a couple of hockey spreadsheets for one of the "Regulars" and the last thing I read was how the Flyers wanted to sign Coburn. I'm glad they got that done.

Answer 5

I hardly even recognize that Flyers team, and I agree that at this point it has to be Holmgren's award to lose.

As someone living in Alberta (but not an Oilers/Flames fan), it's good to see Lupul and Jason Smith playing for a winning team. It was painful watching the Oilers last season....much like it is this season, I guess. Now, if Scottie Upshall could just get out of the minuses, that would be even better.

Answer 6

Call me a homer, but a tip of the hat goes to David Poile for landing Ortmeyer and Bonk at a bargain.. He was left with a cap min budget and has found some great talent.. Also accuired Gelinas who is really coming around after the injuries.. Orty is fantastic on the PK, and Bonk leads the team in goals.. Not GM of the year. but close.. I would have to give that distinction to the Blues GM.. Quality pickups and thusly attendance gains.. He rounded that team pretty well..

Answer 7

Gotta give Dale Talon some consideration in Chicago.
Hard to argue with Holmgren, just thought I'd throw another name in there.
Where's all the love for Ferguson Jr.? Us Leaf fans is a fickle bunch.

Answer 8

i guess you have to give it to philly just because the turn around in their record

that said i dunno that plugging in a superstar forward and solid goaltender is such a profound job of GMing (there were many other GMs trying the same thing), but briere and biron seeem to fit in very well in their surroundings and obviously serve to make the players around them better too

i think the best move was recognizing last season that the team was not really that far from being a much better squad and really hanging on to the key players rather than selling them for draft picks . . .

Answer 9

I would agree Bob. Amazingly quick turn around actually. I thought they would be better this year, but honestly did not expect this! They have managed to get a great young (finally) core of guys and look to be regaining some of that Philly swagger they have missing the past couple of years.

Answer 10

I have to give Garth Snow, yes Garth Snow some props. Not saying he is the GM of the year, but after losing so much and inheriting Milbury's mess, this team is actually competitive.