Another day has passed and more news has been reported concerning the NHL’s new franchise in Las Vegas. The team apparently has a name (Knights) and they reportedly have a general manager according to Arthur Staples of Newsday. They will be naming George McPhee as the first GM in their history.
Source confirms what's already out there: #Isles special advisor George McPhee will be named Las Vegas GM tomorrow.
— Arthur Staple (@StapeAthletic) July 12, 2016
McPhee is the former general manager of the Washington Capitals and oversaw the Caps during multiple Presidents’ Trophy winning seasons.
The beginning of a new franchise is of the utmost importance. If you start off on the wrong foot, you could go down the path of the Columbus Blue Jackets and be behind the eight ball for most of your existence. If you start like the Minnesota Wild, you are immediately set for the years ahead. If McPhee’s past performance as GM is any indication, Las Vegas should be set off onto a fine path.
The distractions in Las Vegas are most likely overstated, yet it will be a tough job trying to keep everyone in line. The players, the scouting staff, the rest of the front office – it remains to be seen how they will all interact in an environment filled with temptation. Pardon the pun, but it is all a huge gamble.
That is what makes Las Vegas so darn exciting. The NHL wants to be the first league into this market and are willing to wade into the murky waters. It’ll be a template for other leagues and it will be exciting to see if they can make it through the first few years. Luckily, they’ll have McPhee to guide them down this unknown path.
