There are defining moments in every NHL general manager's career.
For Brian Burke it was in 1999, when he wheeled and dealed his way at the NHL Entry Draft, and came away with the Sedin twinkies.
In 1991, Pittsburgh GM Craig Patrick acquired Ron Francis, Ulf Samuelsson, and Grant Jennings from the Hartford Whalers for Zarley Zalapski, John Cullen, and Jeff Parker, and turned a good Penguins team into a great one.
And unless Darryl Sutter can pull off a magic trick worthy of Chris Angel, then his defining moment may just be the failure to keep Mike Cammalleri in the fold last July, and going out and signing defenseman Jay Bouwmeester instead.
For $2 million more per year, no less!
I often wonder what was going through the Flames GM's head when he looked at his roster that boasted an elite goaltender and an abundance of quality blueliners. Yet, he let his leading goal-scorer and second overall point getter walk to Montreal for $5 million per, in order to sign yet another defenseman.
It was about as brainless as calling the late Anna Nicole Smith talented.
Read Full Article at Bleacher Report - NHL
Article written by Daniel Sallows
Mike Cammalleri: Canadiens Gain Was Darryl Sutter’s Big Loss
May 1st, 2010 by Daniel Sallows Leave a reply »
Advertisement