While reports indicate that Canada will name Doug Armstrong as its GM for the 2016 World Cup, the U.S. will make Dean Lombardi its GM, according to John Hoven of Mayor’s Manor.
It’s unclear when this may be made official - assuming it is the case - while TSN’s Bob McKenzie reports that Canada is set to confirm Armstrong’s posting on Monday.
As the architect of the Los Angeles Kings, Lombardi faces a challenging summer, but few would deny that he’s accomplished great things in building a roster that won two Stanley Cups.
In particular, he managed some serious bargains that are only running out recently; Justin Williams’ $3.65 million cap hit is set to expire while Jonathan Quick registered less than a $2 million price the first time he raised the Cup, just to name two examples of crucial savings.
Lombardi is easily one of the best executive options the U.S. boasts, even with the Kings missing the playoffs in 2014-15.
Hoven points to Columbus Blue Jackets head coach Todd Richards as a possible top candidate to be Lombard’s choice as head coach:
At the most recent IIHF World Championships, Todd Richards, coach of the Columbus Blue Jackets, served as Team USA’s head coach. He previously served as an assistant coach at the 2014 Olympics and 2010 IIHF World Championships. Word is, he is considered a strong candidate for the 2016 World Cup job, as he guided the team to a bronze medal last month in Prague. Dan Bylsma and Ron Wilson will likely also receive some consideration and/or potentially serve as assistants.