MLive’s Ansar Khan engaged in a conversation with Red Wings GM Ken Holland, discussing the state of the team’s “rebuild on the fly” and questioning whether Holland is the “man for the job”:
Is Ken Holland the right man for the job? It’s a question ownership might have already determined, likely answered by the time players gather for the team photo and locker cleanout, a couple days after the April 7 season finale.
Holland said on Friday, one day after his team was officially eliminated from playoff contention, that he hasn’t spoken yet with ownership.
“From my perspective, I’m not too concerned,” Holland said. “I’m very comfortable where I’m at in my career.”
Holland is 62 and completing his 21st year as the team’s general manager, which ties him with Nashville’s David Poile for the longest current tenure in the league.
The Red Wings have had tremendous success with Holland as GM – three Stanley Cup championships, four Presidents’ Trophies, 19 playoff appearances and countless sellouts.
Is it time for new leadership?
Khan continues, and his article is worth your time…
Sounds like a carbon copy of what Winnepeg just did. Built with minimum trades for years on end. Extremely conservative and slow. But… solid for years because of good contracts and still have young assets. Chevaldayov could have sped it up by risking SOMETHING tho,
Like trading for Statsny? Or are you asking for a trade to hasten the rebuild, as winnipeg is already “back” then made the trade?
Only major trade i can remember before this year was to jettison Mr. Kane because the team basically left him no choice. Good return of Mr. Myers +.
I thought they were ready for a prime time upgrade last year, or the year before. Even pre-Mr. Laine, they were only a piece(center) or 2 away from dominance.
Patience proved to pay with the new Rocket Richard monopoly player tho. Luck and Losing combined to justify a mostly hands off growth from within.
First it’s “a man’s league.” Then it’s “rebuild on the fly.” Now its; “”I understand the process. I understand how long it takes (a rebuild),” Holland said. “It takes patience, it takes a plan, it takes commitment.””This is not new territory for me. I’ve lived it.” The man is like a weather vane; which way the wind blows he goes.
And when did he live it (a rebuild)? He joined the organization in 87′ I believe as a minor league scout.
86′ and 87′ the Wings went to the conference finals against the mighty Edmonton Oilers with Demers. I lived it, went to the games.
Since he started with the team they only missed the playoffs in 89′. The rebuild had already been taking hold thanks to Jimmy D. Once again, Holland got handed a dynasty in 97′ after they won their first cup. The team core that won all the cups prior 2008 was build by Jimmy D (and Bowman and Bryan Murray). Where did he live through a rebuild at? Khan once again did a great job, but if you are going ask if he is the GM moving forward for this team, a little research goes a long way in creating more context.
I think Holland and the Wings have done pretty decently with drafting the last 5 or so years. That’s a plus on him for sure. But when it comes to trades for player to player, free agent signings and contract extensions the last 8 years, not so good. Actually awful.
I lived it BS BS BS
He has A Great Head Scout, Yes
That is all I am going to read from that Liar, Today!!!
Damndog—nice writeup.
Can it be said credit for drafting belongs mostly to KH support staff?
If so, he probably doesn’t get much tangible credit.
I remember Mr. Holland saying he would retire when Mr. Lidstrom did. Hes really late.
I wonder if Mr. Lidstrom is ready to make a come-back. Put him in charge please!