Something new

Congrats to Joe Nieuwendyk. We all knew he was going to be an NHL General Manager some day, but this soon? According to the Dallas Stars, who taught the hockey world how not to manage last season, the answer is an emphatic YES. After a bout of idiocy and loss in stature in Big D, the Stars appear to have righted the ship. Appearances can be depective, but not in this case. Joe's the smart choice. His ties to the organization made him an obvious candidate. His abilities with people and young players put him over the edge.

Is he the saviour?

The franchise Nieuwendyk led to its first and only Stanley Cup title is in need of a boost, both in the standings and at the box office. The team didn't make the playoffs this Spring, isn't making money, and the ownership situation is a mess. My guess is there's a lot more riding on Joe's presence in Dallas than just his job as GM. I mean, as far as hockey executives go he's only a rookie, so its not like he's guaranteed to produce a winner. I believe Joe's return is also meant to get the Stars back on the sporting map in Texas. The optics of this move are good in the Metroplex because Joe's known, respected, even revered. The results could be great because Joe's been successful at just about every stop he's made, even Toronto. And while the Leafs will no longer have Joe's poise and potential in the organization, the fruits of his labour could mean poise and potential in Toronto for years to come. He was, after all, key to getting college stars Christian Hanson's and Tyler Bozak to choose the Leafs. Both players, especially Bozak are expected to be solid contributors to an organization in need of them. Yes, he's Dallas bound, but not without leaving a positive influence behind, and that's just so Joe Nieuwendyk.

Thanks, Joe. And good luck.