[neilm]

Weisbrod headed for unknown GM post in NHL

Hockey lover first. (RED HUBER/ORLANDO SENTINEL)
May 24, 2005

By Brian Schmitz | Sentinel Staff Writer
Posted June 3, 2005

John Weisbrod, who made a surprising and controversial exit as general manager and chief operating officer of the Orlando Magic 11 days ago, has been hired as GM of an NHL team, the Sentinel has learned.

The identity of the team was not known.

An NHL source told the Sentinel on Thursday that Weisbrod was "all set" to become a GM in the NHL, but the NHL club likely would not announce his hiring until the league ends its yearlong lockout.

The NHL and its players association have reported that progress has been made in recent labor talks, producing hope the league would return this upcoming season.

Weisbrod would not comment on his future.

He had been rumored to be involved in the Anaheim Mighty Ducks' search for a GM but denied it.

Weisbrod, 36, announced his resignation from the Magic on May 23, just after the team ended its coaching search with the hiring of Brian Hill.

Weisbrod, who played hockey at Harvard and with the NHL's San Jose Sharks organization before becoming a minor-league hockey executive, had said he longed to return to the sport. But the timing of his departure from the Magic created speculation that the club had pushed him out after one year as GM or that he left after being overruled during the coaching search.

"I didn't leave because of adversity or disagreement," Weisbrod said. "My decision had nothing to do with the coaching-search process. It's a coincidence that it's happening at the same time."

Weisbrod maintained he longed to return to hockey, saying he wanted to "get back on the rink."

He said, "It's not in the best interest of the [Magic] organization of having a GM that, in his heart, would trade three NBA championships for one Stanley Cup."

Weisbrod had one year left on his contract. He said the Magic offered him a new deal, but he couldn't bring himself to make a long-term commitment.

Blunt and a believer in team dynamics, Weisbrod had risen from GM of the Orlando Solar Bears, a minor-league hockey team owned by Magic owner Rich DeVos, to COO of RDV Sports. Despite his hockey background, he replaced John Gabriel as GM of the Magic in March 2004.

Referring to himself as a "bulldozer," Weisbrod tore apart a team that had finished with a league-worst record in 2003-04 and brought in 11 new players. He traded star Tracy McGrady and fired Johnny Davis late last season as head coach.