It still stands as one of Brian Burke’s better lines (and as you know, he’s got some great ones) …
Sedin is not Swedish for punch me and headlock me in a scrum
And perhaps the Vancouver Canucks organization knew something the rest of the hockey world didn’t about former player agent turned GM. Perhaps Gillis is Swedish for Classy General Manager. Or atleast Real Good GM.
Does Mike Gillis speak Swedish?
Honestly, I didn’t support Gillis becoming the new Canucks GM in April of 2008. As a fan of any Canadian team (except for the Maple Leafs – sorry, it’s just principle at this point), I expected the Canucks to go with the ‘proven winner, proven track record’ formula we’re finally starting to see the end of. I was young and didn’t know better. Clearly the Canucks did.
A little more than on year into the job, Gillis has quickly shown capable of running a pro hockey club when it really counts. I’d even go as far as saying for signing key free agents, he’s been pretty clutch.
It was Gillis who successfully debunked the Mats Sundin fiasco (albeit 5 months late). There was a time newspapers were reporting on what Mats was eating for breakfast. It got bad… but Gillis got the Sundin to Vancouver deal done. Not even Brian Burke, Ken Holland or Cliff Fletcher could close that one.
It was Gillis who flew down to Sweeden (days before Burke did) to close out the Sedin’s deal. A pretty reasonable deal, too. Not too much and not too long.
Word has it Gillis and star goalie Roberto Luongo are close to announcing a long term deal for the goalie to stay – also a good thing.
Finally, it was Gillis who was able to sign free agent Mikael Samuelsson to a reported 3 year $7.5 Million contract as insulation to the Sedin twins.
If anything, Gillis has proven when it comes to higher profile negotiations, he gets it. Maybe guys like Bryan Murray and Brian Burke could learn a thing or two. My only knock on Gillis: he always look tired. Though Edmonton Oilers GM Steve Tambellini may beat him when it comes to looking tired. I guess Tambellini has an excuse for not sleeping – trying to figure out ways to finally get Dany Heatley to agree to a trade to Edmonton.
Stay classy, Mike Gillis.
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wow..that was a perfect explaination of our leader in Mike Gillis..I have a good feeling on this one!! patience wins the race!
Thanks for the comment. Gillis impresses me. He seems like one of few GMs who doesn’t lose his common sense on July 1st. His signings seem well thought out – doesn’t go for the biggest name, but good players. I also think his Kessler deal will pay off big time as Kessler continues to evolve and improve.
A few more solid pieces and the Canucks could really do some damage.