New Franchise Must Move Quickly to Hire a Boss

So, who will put together Orange County’s hockey team?

Because several NHL sources have indicated that they think both teams will start play by next season, Eisner will have to act quickly to hire a general manager or director of hockey operations.

Among those possibly available immediately are Montreal scout Jack Ferreira, who was the Sharks’ general manager in their expansion season and former general manager in Minnesota. Ferreira was the victim of a power struggle in San Jose last summer.

Mike Keenan, former Chicago Blackhawk general manager and coach, is unemployed but probably won’t be much longer. Keenan was interviewed on radio last week in Calgary and said that he is “ready for any challenge,” including coaching an expansion team.

Other general manager candidates could include former Vancouver coach Bob McCammon, Edmonton assistant general manager Bruce MacGregor and director of player personnel Barry Fraser.

Hiring a coach right away wouldn’t be as pressing. Keenan could do both. So can McCammon. If the Orange County team only needed a coach, possible candidates would be Michel Bergeron, former Nordique and Ranger coach. Those not available immediately include people such as New Jersey’s Herb Brooks, Minnesota assistant Rick Wilson, Kings’ assistant Cap Raeder and Robbie Ftorek, formerly of the Kings, now coaching the Devils’ top farm team.

Brooks, it is believed, has a multiyear contract, as does Wilson.