Interesting thought: Maybe Burke does not hire a GM

[calgarygeologist]

Originally Posted by moon

Under delivered? The US overachieved in 2010 and then this year likely finished about where they should have. They definitely were not as talented as Canada or Sweden the past two Olympics and would be in a group with Russia and Finland for the 2nd tier teams. That is where they finished how is that close to under-delivering?

Considering that this is what Brian Burke had to say in Feb, 2014 about Team USA going into Sochi I would consider him as over-promising and under-delivering:

I know we’re at the point that if we enter any tournament wearing a USA jersey we expect to win,” said Burke. “I think that’s where our program is now. Whether we go in as a favorites doesn’t matter to me. All I care about, and all our players and management care about, is that we expect to win and we plan to do that.

That seems like a pretty vague if not outright untrue statement. What types of moves does Burke have to make?

I would say outside of not giving away our top pick for nothing there is 0 moves he has to make and certainly no moves that need to be made that if not done would set back the rebuild.
[/QUOTE]

I've made some generalities in other posts regarding what I feel is necessary for the Flames this off-season in order to progress their rebuilding phase. Cammalleri likely needs to be re-signed as he is a corner stone of the team right now. Additionally, the Flames have a lot of salary cap to work with and need to bring in another established forward. There are a lot of potential UFA's that may not be getting offers from their current clubs and the Flames would benefit from bringing someone on board. One name that is currently floating around is Paul Stastny. He is a solid, younger player that would probably fit in nicely and provide some enthusiasm and mentoring to our young prospects. Defense would probably benefit with the signing of a top 15 player as well (Brooks Orpik, Matt Niskanen, Andrei Markov.)

The Flames can't just sit and wait for young prospects to develop on their own. The kids need some supporting players which is where the free agent market should be important to Burke.

[Vulcan]

I've noticed Burke and Conroy seem to keep close company. I can see Conroy maybe getting the Asst. GM job.

[FlamesAddiction]

Originally Posted by Flames Draft Watcher

As the President he can do whatever parts of the GM job that he enjoys (scouting he's mentioned he likes) and can avoid the parts he doesn't (negotiating with agents he has mentioned as not liking).

Pretty sure he's fine with his role and it's clear he will hire a GM by the summer.

But try convincing a half-decent GM to sign on if they don't have complete control. Having a president that like to take on GM duties as he sees fit would be a detriment in that regard.

[moon]

Every GM of a big team said they were going to win. Do you think it would have been better if he said we suck and are going to come in last?

As for Cammy hopefully he is not re-signed but him re-signing or not doesn't mean a big blow to the rebuild at all. Same with a defenseman would be nice to get a quality guy at a good price but if not no big deal and we try to add that next off-season or the one after.

[FAN]

Originally Posted by Textcritic

That's ridiculous. From all the information we have been given about the new management structure, the new President of Hockey Ops position is one that is taylor made to Burke, and in the process of development with him in the early stages of the job. Are you really suggesting that he doesn't truly believe in something that he is active in helping to forge?

Why is it ridiculous? Burke has been Presidident and GM in his previous stops. He admitted that it took a lot of convincing before he was willing to come aboard. Why is it ridiculous to think that Burke, being such an old school guy, doesn't necessarily believe in this structure either out of necessity, efficiency, or effectiveness? I am not saying Burke doesn't believe it will work here. Of course Burke believes it will work here. But not because of the structure as much as it is because Burke is in charge.

[calumniate]

I selfishly would like Burke to stay gm, even though he says he won't. He seems to have a great relationship with Hartley and Conroy, and he wins trades more often than not. Perhaps I'm underestimating what he was doing in his role above Feaster, but it just seemed awkward. Burke is a bull by the horns kind of guy.. I hope ownership gives him the option to stay on if he wants to.