Experience Comes First In Building Las Vegas Organization

In a few weeks we anticipate the NHL talk in Las Vegas will turn from ‘when’ into ‘whom’, as in, whom will be the teams first General Manager. My personal feeling has always been I would like someone who at least has seen the light at the end of the tunnel even if he hasn’t actually reached it. The front office dynamic will be the core of the teams long term success so it can’t be filled with a bunch of ex-players who need on the job training.

The leaders of Las Vegas’ first major professional franchise must exude confidence. Maybe I mean a little gentle arrogance. Which is a word usually is associated with negativity, but when mixed with compassion, experience, and the willingness to roll you sleeves up the word becomes a beacon for leadership.

We’ve heard the name Scott Mellanby already, but it’s fair to question his front office credentials considering the closest he’s been to a GM position is in Montreal where he’s been an assistant to GM Marc Bergevin. Perhaps not the greatest mentor if you’ve followed how empty the cupboard was after Carey Price was injured. The most important position on the ice was clearly neglected heading into the 2015-16 season.

Let’s move a more experienced name into the mix, George McPhee, who is currently a special adviser to Garth Snow for the Islanders. McPhee was the Washington Capitals General Manager before being let go in 2014, but it’s too far of a reach to suggest he had a hand in the Caps 2016 success. He’s an interesting name but doesn’t move the meter for me.

Another name has surfaced that make make sense. That’s Mike Madill, the former Las Vegas Wrangler. Madill is a successful local businessman who was a fan favorite at The Orleans. The move would make plenty of sense especially if it’s in a community relation type position.

No matter who is hired, I want people who can look The Creator in the eye and explain to him how he has already built a team, not how he plans on building one.