The Vancouver Sun
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Vancouver, British Columbia - The Vancouver Canucks announced their new General Manager yesterday and called a press conference for 1pm PST to address the media. GM Eric Dolegowski addressed the current state of the Canucks and the future of the organization. After the CEO of the Canucks introduced the new GM, Dolegowski fielded some questions.
First off, the Canucks are already doing well without a GM. So why did they bring you in?
-"I'd like to start by saying thanks to all the other GM's who have been very welcoming of me into the OTHL. I appreciate and I look forward to getting to know all of you. But on with your question, I'm here to make sure the ship stays on course. I have to look out for the future of this team. I'm here keep the team playing at the level it's currently playing at. That's just a few of the many reasons I was brought in to be the new Canucks GM in the OTHL,"
When you get settled into your team, do you forsee making any trades?
-"Right now, I plan on taking the next couple games to assess my team. I don't think I'll be shaking up the roster. I think a few minor trades here and there to build some depth and future could be critical for a playoff run so we'll see. But to be honest, I think this team's success is at a really good point right now that I'm not sure I want to toy with it. I've met with a few of the guys yesterday and the team chemistry seems to be at a high. If it ain't broke, don't fix it."
Henrik Lundqvist, is a name that has garnered a lot of attention with the success of his season in the juniors. Do you think we could see him up on the big club by the end of the year?
-"Right now, no. Henrik is a strong player and a big influence on the future of this organization. But, right now we feel keeping him down in the juniors will help his process to becoming a great goalie in the OTHL. Not to get excessively financial, but keeping his contract off our hands for another year, will help extend a lower base salary for a starting goalie for a longer time. Not to say that we plan on being cheap, because Henrik will be making a lot of money playing for the Canucks. And, I could not be happier to pay him the most for him to do so."
The preceeding questions were the highlights of todays press conference, as the new GM left the room for his flight to Edmonton to get ready to watch his team play their second game against the Oilers in two nights.
- Abe Cunningham