Winnipeg, it’s about time we all thank Rick Dudley

Who?

Many people may not know the name of the last man to be the General Manager of the Atlanta Thrashers, but anyone who followed the team before they relocated to Winnipeg truly understands the impact he had on the franchise. The man is Rick Dudley, who was plucked from the Blackhawks organization after being the assistant GM from 2006, taking the same position with Atlanta in the spring of 2009. He replaced long-time GM Don Waddell in 2010, and took upon the duty of giving the franchise their first ever successful season, a task Waddell completed zero times.

To give a little perspective as to just how bad Waddell was, we can delve into some easy examples that highlight just how pitiful his tenure was.

There was a man named Ilya Kovalchuk who was on the team, and he was one of the league’s most electrifying players; the sole reason 70% of the fans were at any game. He scored six consecutive 40 goal seasons with the club, and was named captain for his last year and a half in Atlanta. However, Kovalchuk noticed the supreme deficiencies of Waddell, and was hesitant to sign a contract extension. When it was clear it was no longer an option, Waddell elected to trade him (along with a 2nd round draft pick) to New Jersey for three players and two picks.

None of the acquired pieces have impacted the current NHL squad.

There was another man who went by the name of Marian Hossa. Hossa was Atlanta’s “other” franchise player. In his three seasons with the Thrash, his full season average was 41 goals and 55 assists, averaging a monstrous 96 points per season. He too, however, sensed Waddell’s incompetency and also would not negotiate an extension. Eventually, he was traded (along with Pascal Dupuis) to Pittsburgh for three players, and a first round pick.

None of the acquired pieces have impacted the current NHL squad.

Rick Dudley was the GM of the Thrashers for 1 year, 1 month, and 22 days.

I can’t help but think what the Winnipeg Jets would be if not for that man. If True North Sports Entertainment (TNSE) got the franchise a year earlier, the pieces they would have gotten to start with would have been nowhere near the caliber they are now. He got more value for depth pieces such as Rich Peverley and Ivan Vishnevskiy than Waddell was able to muster for two of the game’s elite talents.

The first move we should all thank him for was on June 24th, 2010, just prior to his first draft as a General Manager. Dudley packaged 1st and 2nd round picks, two depth players, and highly regarded scoring prospect Jeremy Morin for Dustin Byfuglien and three depth pieces. Although the Blackhawks were strapped for cap room having just come off the first Stanley Cup of their “dynasty”, in hindsight the win is clear for Winnipeg. Five years later and Morin has struggled to stick in the NHL, being bounced around through waivers and only suiting up for 82 games. The late first rounder the ‘Hawks received actually turned out to be a great pick – Kevin Hayes – however he never ended up sticking with the organization after college and has gone on to play for the New York Rangers.

So, ignoring the depth pieces (Brent Sopel, Ben Eager, etc.), we have a prospect who’s played 82 games and a pick that never signed with the organization, in exchange for Dustin Byfuglien, one of the game’s most unique players and a key cog within the Jets dressing room.

Gee, thanks Rick!

Only 6 days later, while taking his first crack at unrestricted free agency, it wasn’t through throwing around cash and term that Dudley made his second stamp on the franchise. It was a brilliant moment where Dudley completely saved (yet another) one of Waddell’s horrible moves.

Backtracking to the 2010 trade deadline, Waddell traded former 2nd overall pick and starting goaltender Kari Lehtonen, who still had yet to realize his potential (albeit he was injury prone), for bust defenseman Ivan Vishnevskiy and a 4th round pick.

Dudley would make amends for Waddell’s lack of judgement and once again dip into the Blackhawks roster. He flipped the aforementioned Vishnevskiy and a 2nd round pick for former 4th overall pick Andrew Ladd. Five years after the fact and Vishnevskiy has played 5 NHL games, and now plies his trade out in Russia. The second round pick (Adam Clendening) is still developing, but it’s with the Pittsburgh Penguins, not the ‘Hawks.

So, a prospect who suited up 5 times, and a draft pick that will turn into a depth defenseman at best, for 2-time Stanley Cup Champion, current captain, and world class leader in Andrew Ladd.

Thanks again Rick!

He was not done, however, as 8 months later Dudley waved his magic wand once more. Amidst another season of mediocrity, Dudley saw that his skilled two-way center in Rich Peverley might be of value for a contending team.

On February 18th, 2011, he swapped Peverley and Boris Valabik (Waddell’s 2004 10th overall bust) for under-used winger Blake Wheeler, and physical defender Mark Stuart.

The trade worked out for both sides, as the Bruins would win the cup that year with Peverley anchoring the third line, but long-term, the Jets got superb value for a third line center. Mark Stuart is not flashy by any means, but he fills his role capably and is a staple on the penalty kill, among the league leaders in blocked shots. He also wears an ‘A’ for the Jets as an assistant captain. Blake Wheeler is the team’s most talented forward, and has averaged 66 points/season during his 4 years with Winnipeg – currently 4th in the league in scoring. He also wears an ‘A’.

So we have a high-end 3rd liner and a first round bust, in exchange for a proven shutdown defender and top line right winger, who are both captains on the team.

Rick my good man, ya did it again!

I’m sure Mr. Chevyldayoff has said a ‘thank you’ or two.

Four years later and Andrew Ladd is now the team’s captain, heartbeat, and hardest worker. Blake Wheeler is the assistant captain, and is the team’s leading scorer for 3 of the last 4 seasons, and still matches Ladd’s work ethic. His trade partner, Mark Stuart, likewise wears an ‘A’ while providing some much needed defensive acumen and leadership; instrumental in raising the bar professionally. Dudley’s first acquisition, Dustin Byfuglien, has been one of the league’s most exciting offensive defencemen. He’s generated quite a fan base for his ability to take over a hockey game.

I’m not so sure there is a better short-term tenure than that. In a single calendar year, acquiring the team’s 3 captains and a fan favourite, game changing defenseman.

And so Rick, on behalf of all of Winnipeg and every Jets fan on the planet:

Thank you.