By Charles H. Roberts III
News that Lewiston resident Rick Dudley will be leaving his position as assistant general manager in Chicago to take over as the general manager in Atlanta is not exactly shocking, as Dudley's career has been peppered with taking over abysmal organizations, but this one is certainly putting him right back in the spotlight and brings a heaping pile of pressure.
Dudley was crucial in building the 2004 Stanley Cup-winning Tampa team, while he was equally as important in taking the Chicago Blackhawks from a rock-bottom, hapless mess to the Western Conference finals.
The only thing that does come of a bit of a surprise however, is that Dudley didn't stick around to see the fruits of his labor hoist a cup in Chicago. I spoke with Dudley back in February, and he took a great deal of pride in turning that Blackhawks team into a contender.
“When I went there, it was a very similar situation to Tampa,” Dudley said, in a phone interview. “It was a team that truly lacked assets. I think in looking back, there is not one player on this roster that there was four-and-half years ago. It was a nice situation for me, because I have been able to do what I do best – go out there and scout talent and look for trades and so on.”
His passion for the Blackhawks seemed evident each and every time I crossed his path in the Sabres press box too, where he was a semi-regular fixture, scouting talent and looking for trade possibilities. When you talked to him about what a laughing-stalk the Blackhawks were about five years ago, versus where they are today, he had a genuine glow about him.
And as for the fellow Western New York native, or "South Buffalo's own" (as he's so often referred to) Patrick Kane - Dudley admits he wasn't sold at first, but eventually fell head-over-heels.
“I watched Patty (Kane) play so many times before we drafted him,” Dudley said. “My first thought was that I had a natural tendency not to like him. His size, his build – it just didn’t fit the mold. But I went on to watch him 55 or 60 times and I was simply amazed at how quickly he won me over. I initially had him down as a second round pick. The second time I watched him, I said, ‘Ok, late first round.’ The subsequent game sealed the deal. I said, ‘This kid’s going to be a superstar.’”
So here we are. The Blackhawks have a team loaded with young talent, drawing several comparisons to the Pittsburgh Penguins of two years ago. Dudley, mostly behind the scenes, built yet another championship-caliber squad and once again will be sailing before the ship reaches its destination. Taking over in Atlanta will be a lot like the circumstances he has faced in the past. Tampa and Chicago were both in rough shape. Atlanta is no better.
If he succeeds - perhaps he finally receives the accolades he's worthy of. If he fails, well, can't blaim a guy for trying, I suppose.
News that Lewiston resident Rick Dudley will be leaving his position as assistant general manager in Chicago to take over as the general manager in Atlanta is not exactly shocking, as Dudley's career has been peppered with taking over abysmal organizations, but this one is certainly putting him right back in the spotlight and brings a heaping pile of pressure.
Dudley was crucial in building the 2004 Stanley Cup-winning Tampa team, while he was equally as important in taking the Chicago Blackhawks from a rock-bottom, hapless mess to the Western Conference finals.
The only thing that does come of a bit of a surprise however, is that Dudley didn't stick around to see the fruits of his labor hoist a cup in Chicago. I spoke with Dudley back in February, and he took a great deal of pride in turning that Blackhawks team into a contender.
“When I went there, it was a very similar situation to Tampa,” Dudley said, in a phone interview. “It was a team that truly lacked assets. I think in looking back, there is not one player on this roster that there was four-and-half years ago. It was a nice situation for me, because I have been able to do what I do best – go out there and scout talent and look for trades and so on.”
His passion for the Blackhawks seemed evident each and every time I crossed his path in the Sabres press box too, where he was a semi-regular fixture, scouting talent and looking for trade possibilities. When you talked to him about what a laughing-stalk the Blackhawks were about five years ago, versus where they are today, he had a genuine glow about him.
And as for the fellow Western New York native, or "South Buffalo's own" (as he's so often referred to) Patrick Kane - Dudley admits he wasn't sold at first, but eventually fell head-over-heels.
“I watched Patty (Kane) play so many times before we drafted him,” Dudley said. “My first thought was that I had a natural tendency not to like him. His size, his build – it just didn’t fit the mold. But I went on to watch him 55 or 60 times and I was simply amazed at how quickly he won me over. I initially had him down as a second round pick. The second time I watched him, I said, ‘Ok, late first round.’ The subsequent game sealed the deal. I said, ‘This kid’s going to be a superstar.’”
So here we are. The Blackhawks have a team loaded with young talent, drawing several comparisons to the Pittsburgh Penguins of two years ago. Dudley, mostly behind the scenes, built yet another championship-caliber squad and once again will be sailing before the ship reaches its destination. Taking over in Atlanta will be a lot like the circumstances he has faced in the past. Tampa and Chicago were both in rough shape. Atlanta is no better.
If he succeeds - perhaps he finally receives the accolades he's worthy of. If he fails, well, can't blaim a guy for trying, I suppose.
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