Monday, April 14, 2008

Dave Nonis Fired? Canucks Head Office in Turmoil


TSN reports that Dave Nonis has been Fired.

The Vancouver Canucks have fired Dave Nonis after three seasons as the team's general manager. Under Nonis, the Canucks failed to make the playoffs in two of their last three seasons.
Sportsnet.ca had this quote:

“The decision to relieve Dave of his duties was difficult,” said Vancouver Canucks chairman Francesco Aquilini in a release. “We want to thank Dave for the many contributions he has made helping to build our organization during his tenure.

“However, I think this important change in leadership is critical to the future of the team and the direction we need to take. It’s not acceptable to our fans or to us as owners that our team isn’t in the playoffs.”

This came right out of left field as we've heard rumblings about the Fabian Brunnstrom signing.
I'm sitting here watching the Pens and Senators game and I get a text that rocks my world. Thanks to Joe for the heads up!

I don't really like this decision. I've always been a fan of Nonis for not trading away our assets for quick fixes. He did everything he could to keep us from turning into the Toronto Maple Leafs of the west. It sucks that the failure to make the playoffs was ultimately blamed on him, with all the injuries, and other factors. I would have rather seen the Coach V go instead.

This was to be the summer of Nonis where he could rightfully put a stamp on this team without having to deal with Cap issues and contracts he didn't sign. I'm sad for Dave. Sure, there was criticism for him not making a move during the deadline, but i was glad he didn't make the Brad Richards trade. The best move he could have made there was no move.

I hope that Aquilini knows what he's doing. The question is who replaces Dave? Steve Tambellini is the logical conclusion or do they go test the waters a new GM? Regardless, they better do it quick with the draft right around the corner. Does Vigneault go too?

I wish Dave the best of luck. He was a good GM, and we can never forget that he brought Luongo here. I'm sure Nonis will land on his feet. He'll easily find a job again. In fact, I wouldn't be surprised if Brian Burke is on the phone offering Nonis a job right now.