Olympics...Blues

[Old_Goat]

I just posted the following comment at the TheHockeyNews.com following the article/interview with Armstrong about juggling Blues GM responsibilities with those of the Olympics. I've felt for quite awhile it could be relevant in many of the threads/issues that are discussed here as well...

The Olympics ARE a big distraction. You cannot serve two bosses. A Matrix Organization is not effective in any business...maybe effective for developing technical, or skilled personnel in complex engineering/manufacturing industries, but there has to be a clear and unquestioned priority from whom the individual takes direction. In this specific case the players cannot help but be affected by whom may get chosen. The NHL Hall Of Fame should select entries based solely upon their career in the NHL and not be influenced in any way by National Team accomplishments in International Tournaments.

I will add, you darn right that I want the U.S. to win in every competition at the Olympics. The Soviets ruined the whole purity of amateur athletics. The Red Army team of amateur hockey players...right, short-order drill with hockey sticks, not rifles. But back to hockey...Yes, I want the USA to win, but I really want the Blues to win. The Olympics are so full of various issues and intrigue, that they have taken a lot of the interest from me. I still remember Jim Thorpe...a tremendous amateur athlete whom lost it all.

[Army's Mom]

I'm not sure how much of a distraction it is in practice. Isn't Guerin managing Team USA? He's still getting things done. A long term study comparing international team GMs regular teams might be insightful, but I suspect a lot depends on the individual GM and how they conduct business. In fact, Quinn Hughes said BG's treatment of him at 4 nations persuaded him to approve the deal.

If it gives Blues players a leg up in the competition for spots, and Army extra intel on which players might be available via trade, those are net positives.

I suspect Army doesn't benefit as much from participating since he's been around so long and everyone knows him, but I doubt his duties for Team Canada hurt the Blues.

[SameOldBlues]

I just posted the following comment at the TheHockeyNews.com following the article/interview with Armstrong about juggling Blues GM responsibilities with those of the Olympics. I've felt for quite awhile it could be relevant in many of the threads/issues that are discussed here as well...

The Olympics ARE a big distraction. You cannot serve two bosses. A Matrix Organization is not effective in any business...maybe effective for developing technical, or skilled personnel in complex engineering/manufacturing industries, but there has to be a clear and unquestioned priority from whom the individual takes direction. In this specific case the players cannot help but be affected by whom may get chosen. The NHL Hall Of Fame should select entries based solely upon their career in the NHL and not be influenced in any way by National Team accomplishments in International Tournaments.

I will add, you darn right that I want the U.S. to win in every competition at the Olympics. The Soviets ruined the whole purity of amateur athletics. The Red Army team of amateur hockey players...right, short-order drill with hockey sticks, not rifles. But back to hockey...Yes, I want the USA to win, but I really want the Blues to win. The Olympics are so full of various issues and intrigue, that they have taken a lot of the interest from me. I still remember Jim Thorpe...a tremendous amateur athlete whom lost it all.

I agree, without a doubt its a distraction, Army’s been multitasking for far too long, and simple common sense tells ya you cant be as good as possible when you have multiple loyalties, even if they’re not competing loyalties.

[ManitobaBlues]

Believe me, up here in Canada, we really don’t care who the GM is for Team Canada. Anyone with a basic understanding of hockey could put together that roster—honestly, the same goes for Team USA. The talent pool does most of the work for you.

[Old_Goat]

Believe me, up here in Canada, we really don’t care who the GM is for Team Canada. Anyone with a basic understanding of hockey could put together that roster—honestly, the same goes for Team USA. The talent pool does most of the work for you.

I believe you. I didn't know, or forgot what Bill Guerin's role was until the news came out about the Hughes trade. I only know Armstrong's role because he also has responsibilities for the Blues. I was happy when Parayko beat up JT Miller in the fight. And I was happy for Binnington and him to win in that tournament. Yes, I want the U.S. to win. But I also am happy to see players whom I really like in the NHL have success too...I just wish they were all on the Blues.