As we have seen over the years Stan is loyal to his longterm vets ie: not trading Amadio last year or McKenzie this year so the only way Bruce is not in North Bay next year is if he signs with Calgary and the start developing him otherwise he's a 2 year captain.
Agreed. It seems that way with the old school coaches-GM's that are firmly entrenched int heir positions. They have the security of knowing if they want to be loyal they can because they have secure jobs. They are also not looking to advance to a higher league so they settle in where they are, foster a strong organization where the players are taken care of.
Brian Kilrea also used to do this.
I don't agree with it, personally, but there is something to be said for the positives of doing that.
This is what I talk about with respect to non-championship coach's and GM's like Stan Butler. They like status quo because it is safe. They coach and manage the same way. They do the least amount possible to garner as much possible success year after year while trying to avoid the cycle that has formed over the last 15 or so years.
Stan Butler will NEVER win a Championship because as a GM, he is not willing to make the player moves required and does not coach to develop talent, he coaches not to lose. This means he spends far too much energy on developing systems as opposed to developing players skills.
It is unfortunate in some respects because talented players stagnate BUT the less talented players gain more success because the game is played at their speed.
Stan Butler is a good, stable Coach and GM. He is perfect for a city that needs stability. North Bay s that city right now. Sooner or later the fan base will sour on that strategy just like many fans in Ottawa soured on Brian Kilrea as a GM. I can't count how many fans in Ottawa used to tear strips off me for criticizing Brian Kilrea only to end up on my side in future years.
