Detroit Hockey Insider has no direct affiliation to the Detroit Red Wings, NHL or NHLPA
Major announcement confirms the Red Wings have made a mistake
A major announcement confirmed the Detroit Red Wings have made a big mistake.
Back in 2013, the Detroit Red Wings parted ways with Jim Nill after 20 seasons as director of player development and assistant general manager. He played a huge role in the Red Wings' dynasty between 1994 and 2002.
He joined the Dallas Stars as General Manager, and the team has completely turned the franchise around.
This year, when fans and analysts thought the team was ready to compete in the playoffs, he made a massive acquisition in Mikko Rantanen:
"If you had told me back in October Mikko Rantanen would be available for trade and you'd have a chance to get him, I'd say, 'What are you smoking? What are you doing? What are you on here?' Well, because of circumstances, he gets traded out East. I figure, 'Well, he's out East.' Boom. Now you start to hear rumblings towards the deadline that they can't sign him, and you get a phone call a week before the deadline. 'Hey, we're looking at different options.' And it worked out."
The team finished the season at the second rank in the Central Division, with a 50-26-6 record, but it's no mere accident.
Nill constantly works to make his team better, and knows how to bring a good team to the next level for the playoffs.
Stars head coach Pete DeBoer provided insights in a recent press conference:
"I got here three years ago, and I think every year we've been in a spot at the deadline where [Nill has] gone out and traded assets to give us a chance to win. I think it's not easy to do that from the GM chair, especially with Jim's background. His background is scouting and developing and young players, so I give him all the credit in the world for taking the swings he's taken over the last three years that I've been here."
Yesterday, the GM was once again recognized for his great work, by being nominated for the Jim Gregory GM of the year award for the third straight year.
He could become the first three-time winner of the trophy. Winnipeg Jets' Kevin Cheveldayoff and Florida Panthers' Bill Zito are the other nominees.
It makes no doubt that Nill could've kept the Red Wings at the top of the NHL.
| POLL | ||
MAI 24 | 83 ANSWERS Major announcement confirms the Red Wings have made a mistake Do you think the Detroit Red Wings made a mistake by parting ways with Jim Nill 10 years ago? | ||
| Yes | 57 | 68.7 % |
| No | 26 | 31.3 % |
| List of polls | ||