In any other industry, this would be an eyebrow-raising move. 1 year of experience in any corporate position isn’t nearly enough to qualify someone for a senior position like this. But in the NHL, front offices continue to value athletic performance over a completely different set of qualifications required to be proficient in a completely different role.
This isn’t making a mountain out of a molehill. It’s having a completely reasonable opinion about the philosophical approach of the front office - which has a big impact on the outcome of the team.
I think you're undervaluing Spezza's knowledge. This isn't like we're hiring Hugh Laurie to be a Doctor just because he played a great one on TV.