Quote:
Originally Posted by trackercowe
Yeah, but does King really have much say in the hockey department (at least for the Flames)? You gotta assume Burke has final say on most matters, even if they never come out and say as much. King was never a hockey guy, while obviously that's all Nicholson (and I suppose Lowe) know.
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In my opinion, King had a bigger say in hockey matters under the previous GM, because that's the way that GM sold them (King and Edwards) on him to get the job, and, utilized them as such.
Clear that, among other things wrong with the previous GM, that structural arrangement was eroding away the Flames reputation around the league, so they changed course a year ago, with Shanahan/Burke to run the hockey ops.
However, King is a longtime Calgarian and has a wealth of contacts in the business community, so is well suited for that role, as Burke is, with his credentials.
However, Nicholson was running Hockey Canada, a program setup with the task of everything from selecting National Teams, developing Youth National Teams and programs, down to setting the framework for coaching, as well minor hockey rules and developmental guidelines. A tough task and wide ranging role for sure.
But plunk him in Edmonton and Vancouver above Linden or (above?) below Lowe, and what does he bring? Director of on ice operations? Not really qualified for that given experience. Gladhanding President who's new to the city's business community and doesn't have the contacts to move forward with that role? Not really.
Reminds me a bit of the task of former Flames president Ron Bremner. Advertised as a in his role as a successful media and communications poobah as his calling card, his infamous mid 90's "beer cold and hotdogs hot" line to explain good customer service. He also, quite ironically locked the Flames into a restrictive, longer term TV contract that put the team behind Edmonton and Vancouver on Snet's pecking order in the early 2000's...a guy like Nicholson, who had certain skills that somewhat relate to the role of a President of an NHL team, but not really direct skills in the right areas in such a large role.