NHL general managers have a pretty long leash when it comes to leading their teams. But which three general managers are on the hot seat this season?
Being an NHL general manager is arguably the toughest job in sports. Yet it also gets the least acclaim. Being a professional athlete is hard enough, but assembling a team with the right players for the job and at just the right price is astounding.
Not all general managers are doing it seamlessly. Here are three NHL general managers who begin the season under a microscope.
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Jim Benning – Vancouver Canucks
Vancouver Canucks GM Jim Benning plays harder than most of the general managers in the league. The number of deals he makes is right at the top, but are they the best deals? The talent he gains and gives away aside, his disrespect for draft picks is appalling.
Since he came to town in 2014, he has given away 17 draft picks but only received 12. Even worse is his ratio for top 3 picks; where he gave away nine and got back only five. It’s hard to build your team if you don’t have draft equity. Cup champions are born through the draft, not otherwise.
The contracts he has signed, as well as the talent coming and going, can be questioned, but decisions regarding future considerations have to be addressed. He’s finally in a position of wealth when it comes to young talent, but if this young core doesn’t succeed, you have to wonder when he’ll be out the door.
Stan Bowman – Chicago Blackhawks
It has been an amazing run. Although one could argue Tallon gave Bowman his first title, Bowman was instrumental in the next two. The Chicago Blackhawks have been the most recent dynasty in the NHL, winning three Cups in six seasons at one point. A juggernaut, the Blackhawks were near unbeatable from 2010 to 2015, giving true homage to the historic team.
Unlike many past winners, much of the core is still intact. They are, however, running out of time. Patrick Kane and Jonathan Toews are in their 30s and Seabrook and Keith are quite the elder statesmen compared to the average age in the league. Crawford could also be replaced before season’s end.
Despite Bowman’s early success, the Hawks are not who they used to be. Two seasons losing in the first round, followed by two miserable seasons missing the playoffs completely, Bowman may be on borrowed time. Legendary Coach Q was not untouchable and Bowman isn’t either.
Marc Bergevin – Montreal Canadiens
During his NHL career, Montreal Canadiens GM Marc Bergevin was a hard-nosed, grinding defenseman who cared much more about winning than personal achievements. His approach as a general manager has been just as stubborn; never bending to the fans and doing what he thinks is best for the team.
As a general manager, he has excelled at keeping things cheap. With the exception of a few contracts, Bergevin has a habit of leaving money in the bank. He has also done well in stocking up on draft picks. Realizing the importance of future considerations is paramount as a general manager.
Here’s the problem. The Habs are simply not moving forward. He inherited the team right after Montreal missed the playoffs, but they had been there four years in a row. Granted, the Habs were a playoff team the first three years in during his tenure, but they have missed the playoffs three of the last four seasons and lost in the first round in the other. Have I lost my mind? I’d love to hear from you.