After eight long years under the Jim Benning regime, Francesco Aquilini announced Sunday night that the Vancouver Canucks had made significant changes to the front office, relieving Jim Benning, John Weisbrod, Travis Green, and Nolan Baumgartner of their duties.
On Thursday, the team announced the hiring of Jim Rutherford in the role of President of hockey operations and the interim general manager while the club continuted their search for a full time GM.
Here’s a look at five potential GM candidates out there that could make sense for the Canucks.
Eric Tulsky
Eric Tulsky is the most attractive general manager candidate and the least likely to be available. The analytics darling of the NHL is the star of the Carolina Hurricanes front office, being an integral part of their success. Tulsky has spent eight seasons with the Hurricanes, making his way from a part-time analyst position to now the assistant general manager of the team and likely the heir apparent to current general manager Don Waddell.
The savvy analytics star has been the brains behind several of the under-the-radar moves the Hurricanes have made, leading them to be one of the consistent Stanley Cup contenders in the league year in and year out and only seeming to get better.
Tulsky is ready to lead an NHL front office, and the Carolina Hurricanes are well aware of that, making him a significantly influential voice in their war room. Francesco Aquilini will need to open up his wallet and make an offer Tulsky can’t refuse. However, it may still be wishful thinking as Tulsky has found a trusted home with the Carolina Hurricanes organization.