You develop a winning culture by winning. You win by acquiring players who not only have ability but hate to lose. You acquire guys who help you win not only in the regular season but in the playoffs as well. So a guy like Sarich who is a proven winner and still gives it his all is better than a guy like Butler who just sucks, even though neither have the ability to win games for a team. A guy like Cammalleri who might suck in the regular season but has a proven playoff record is a better acquisition than a guy like Wideman who is generally good in the regular season but has proven to be a liability in the playoffs.
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Originally Posted by Street Pharmacist
There are a litany of great/good general managers that didn't play hockey at a high level. I really don't think that's the problem.
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Originally Posted by DeluxeMoustache
Exactly. I wish this 'not a hockey guy' self effacing crap would go in the rubbish bin where it belongs. What did Scotty Bowman accomplish on the ice that made him arguably the greatest coach ever and successful advisor to his son?
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There is a difference between not being an accomplished hockey player (which has a lot to do with physical ability) and not playing hockey at all.
Feaster is a guy who NEVER had ice skates on with a hockey stick in hand prior to becoming the GM of the Hershey Bears. I bet every one of us who grew up in North America have played dodgeball more than Feaster has played ice hockey.
Feaster has certainly been involved with this game for a long time but he has made no effort to learn the talent evaluation aspect of the business. The GM of this team doesn't even go on scouting trips. So most decisions, including important ones, are made without Feaster confirming it with his own eyes. Take Feaster's last year in Tampa. The Lightning were clearly headed for the #1 overall pick and did he go and watch Stamkos play once? Nope. Feaster emailed Stamkos after the draft lottery asking to meet. You would think that the GM of a team heading towards the #1 overall pick would go and watch the top 2-3 prospects play? Nope. You want to hire a supervisor who doesn't supervise? If you want a guy like that making important decisions that's fine. I don't.