New Oilers VP/Hockey Operations Craig MacTavish is stepping into a position that is "essentially a role that hasn't been filled since Kevin Prendergrast, who also carried the assistant general manager title, was sent packing after the 2009-10 NHL season," according to Joanne Ireland of the EDMONTON JOURNAL. MacTavish, who spent the '11-12 season as head coach of the AHL Chicago Wolves, will be "involved in everything from the hiring of the next head coach to the free agents the team will pursue to the ongoing development of the prospects." Oilers Assistant GM and Dir of Hockey Operations & Legal Affairs Ricky Olczyk is "expected to stay put, although his contract does need to be re-upped" (EDMONTON JOURNAL, 6/12). In Edmonton, John MacKinnon wrote MacTavish will be "an essential part of the remedy for a franchise fraught with young talent, but still limping along at the bottom of the NHL standings." He will be "intimately involved with all aspects of the hockey operations" (EDMONTON JOURNAL, 6/11). Also in Edmonton, Terry Jones wrote, "Maybe there's a bit of a thought there somewhere that MacTavish could be a GM in training, but for the short term the main idea is to use MacTavish to make [Steve] Tambellini a better GM" (EDMONTON SUN, 6/11).
SINGING THE BLUES? In St. Louis, Bernie Miklasz wrote, "One way or another, I'd expect to see [Blues President John] Davidson depart." Blues Owner Tom Stillman "must reduce overhead expenses to enhance the Blues' financial viability," and making changes at the top "also is standard practice in a regime change." But there is "one tricky issue with Davidson," as he has three years and an estimated $6M remaining on his contract. If Stillman wants him out, "they'll have to reach a settlement." Miklasz: "Why would Stillman pay Davidson a nice chunk of money to leave? Answer: Stillman still would realize savings." Blues Exec VP & GM Doug Armstrong's contract will expire after next season, and Stillman "will have to take care of him." With Armstrong "having emerged as the clear leader of the hockey operation, it makes little sense for Stillman to pay lucrative long-term salaries to Davidson and Armstrong" (ST. LOUIS POST-DISPATCH, 6/9).
