Wayne Gretzy, the greatest hockey player in history and the former part-owner and coach of the Phoenix Coyotes, is reportedly still very interested in becoming the president of the Washington Capitals per a report from CSN's Chuck Gormely.
The Capitals fired general manager George McPhee in late-April, and there's been little reported movement in terms of their efforts to replace him. Darcey Regier, Mike Gillis and Jay Feaster have been linked to the job, while Bruins assistant general manager Don Sweeney has reportedly interviewed for the position. But there's little in the way of smoke.
Gormley's sources suggest, however, that Gretzky could still be in the running - although negotiations haven't progressed quickly, and there are still some internal roadblocks to clear:
A source close to Gretzky said Monday that the 53-year-old native of Brantford, Ontario very much wants to be president of the Capitals and would consider former Columbus general manager Doug MacLean as his general manager.
However, the source said Gretzky has not had more than a few casual conversations with the Capitals and believes that if they really wanted Gretzky they would have hired him by now.
It is entirely possible that Patrick is not prepared to surrender the duties he has had with the Capitals since 1982.
In mid-May during an episode of Hockey Night in Canada radio, CBC's Glenn Healy suggested that the major hold up on the Gretzky-to-the-Caps front was money. "I think (Gretzky) wants too much money," suggested Healey. "It's all down to money, and I think his asking price - probably it was the same as when Toronto offered him a position, and that asking price was too high, and Shanahan takes the job.
"Until there's reasonable terms, the name will be mentioned, but the position won't be filled," Healy concluded.
