ARLINGTON, VA – NOVEMBER 28: Washington Capitals Vice President and General Manager George McPhee speaks to members of the media at Kettler Iceplex on November 28, 2011 in Arlington, Virginia. McPhee announced that Dale Hunter will become the new head coach of the Washington Capitals after Bruce Boudreau was fired. (Photo by Patrick McDermott/Getty Images)

Report: George McPhee to be named Las Vegas GM

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.

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.

About Sam Blazer

Sam is a self proclaimed chess prodigy. He once placed seventh in the state of Ohio in Chess when he was in kindergarten. He will rarely if ever mention though that only eight people were entered in this tournament. Contact him at sblaze17@gmail.com

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