Windsor Spitfires General Manager Warren Rychel is drawing interest from some NHL teams.
In addressing the departure of head coach Rocky Thompson, who's leaving for a job in the AHL, Rychel responded to rumours and reports that he's poised to leave for a front-office job with a NHL team.
Rychel isn't ruling out anything but says it would have to be a unique opportunity. "For me to leave here, it's got to be a pretty special gig in the NHL. I mean, a lot of coaches leave and have a lot of success to the NHL, as you see Boogie (Bob Boughner) and the success he's had with the Sharks, but management's a little bit different."
"The situation right now is hard to beat," says Rychel. "I live 5 miles from the rink, I'm part owner of the team and I love dealing with the kids every day. I make my own schedule, I have great scouts, I have a great office staff, I love coming here. So for me to leave, it's got to be pretty special."
Rychel admits there's no doubt the opportunity is there. "I mean there's a lot of teams in the NHL that need help, you look and a lot of my friends are in the NHL. For me I've had success in the NHL, I talk to NHL guys every day, I won a Stanley Cup, yeah I'd love to win another one but it's got to be a perfect situation."
Team co-owner, Bob Boughner, is currently a candidate to fill head coaching vacancies in Florida and Buffalo. He's currently an assistant coach with the San Jose Sharks.