The Canucks' search for a new general manager begins today. Here is a list of the elite eight candidates who could get lots of consideration.

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FAN REACTION: Dave Nonis at North Shore Winter Club back in June.

Photograph by : Arlen Redekop, The Province

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1. KEN HOLLAND, GM, DETROIT:

Why not? He's widely considered the best in the business and the Canucks would be foolish not to make a concerted run for him. He's from Vernon and a return to his home province has to be just a little intriguing. Prying him out of Detroit will not be easy, and many will say it's impossible. But the Wings do have Steve Yzerman waiting in the (ahem) wings. Yzerman taking over as Detroit's general manager seems a question of when, not if. So, why not now?

2. JIM NILL, ASSISTANT GM/VP, DETROIT:

If Holland can't be lured, Vancouver could go after his right-hand man. If the Canucks conclude the real way to build a long-term winner is through the draft (duh) then Nill should be a strong candidate. No team has drafted better than Detroit, especially when you consider where the Wings have picked. Try Henrik Zetterberg in round 7, and Pave Datsyuk in round 6 (and the Canucks thought Alex Edler was a steal).

3. BRIAN BURKE, GM, ANAHEIM:

Many would perceive it as a step backward, but there is enough evidence to indicate the Canucks are at least willing to see if you can go home again. The fiery Burke burned plenty of bridges in the Lower Mainland, but buffed his resume with a Cup in Anaheim. Although he has said he wants to stay in California, a trip back to a strong hockey market is alluring.

4. STEVE TAMBELLINI, ASSISTANT GM, VANCOUVER:

Has to be considered. Choosing him, however, is pretty much going with the status quo. Tambellini has been with the Canucks for nearly 20 years and was named vice-president of player personnel in 1998. He has been interviewed for other general manager jobs. In 2002, he was director of player personnel for the winning Olympic team. Inexpensive, inoffensive choice.

5. PAT QUINN, LONGTIME PLAYER, COACH AND GM:

The Canucks may not see Quinn as a long-term answer but he could join the team in an interim role. Could help through a difficult time.

6. DAVID CONTE, VP HOCKEY/SCOUTING DIRECTOR, NEW JERSEY:

Lou Lamoriello doesn't want to let him go, but it may be worth a shot. For more than 15 years, Conte has been helping the Devils uncover gems in the draft, especially in the late rounds. Just like the Wings, New Jersey has uncovered top prospects without high draft picks.

7. DOUG ARMSTRONG, FORMER DALLAS STARS GM:

He was the fall guy in Dallas after the Stars got off to a 7-7-3 start. His teams in Dallas were talented underachievers (sound familiar?). During his tenure, Dallas went 210-109-35-23. They were the third-winningest team in the NHL, but won just one payoff series in five seasons.

8. DAVID MCNAB, ASSISTANT GM, ANAHEIM:

If you want a diamond in the rough, McNab is the guy. He's done an effective job behind the scenes and has enough experience to make the next step. He was the catalyst in getting the Ducks to sign college free agents. This produced the likes of Dustin Penner and Chris Kunitz.

WHAT DO YOU THINK?

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