Good GMs have to have a business acumen and education, a bit of a law background OR education, and most of all they have to have a knowledge of what they are managing. I don't believe that Stan could scout a hockey player to save his life. Just because his dad played and coached his whole life, that doesn't mean that Stan had an intimate knowledge of the game or what it takes to be a player or what it takes to build a team. That is a big bonus that Tallon had over him. Stan may have the proper business education and a little bit of experience but he is relying heavily on the hockey knowledge of others.
If you want a good comparison, look to Jerry Angelo. He couldn't draft successfully to save his life. He sucked at college drafting and he sucked at pro scouting. It didn't matter that he made semi-wise decisions to avoid overpaying some players. If you don't assemble the right talent, it doesn't matter how well you balance the checkbook. Being competetive and being a championship winning team are very different.
His real test will be getting a hold of a D-man with Campbell like abilities without having to give up too much or putting himself in a bad position near and long term capwise.
