One of the most important pieces of any hockey organization is the general manager. A lot of a team's success comes from moves or signings he makes and a lot of misfortune can also happen if he makes a wrong move.Teams have won Stanley Cups due to a move being made or a signing. Other teams have also taken a step back.
For the Detroit Red Wings, both of these things can be said with more successes than failures. We look back on a few of the more successful, and not so successful, general managers in the history of one of the more successful franchises in the history of the NHL.
Best general managers
Jack Adams
Jack Adams would take over as GM for the Red Wings in 1927 and held the position until 1963. His legacy would span 36 seasons and during that time would win seven Stanley Cups with Detroit (1936, 1937, 1943, 1950, 1952, 1954, and 1955). He would be known for creating a rich farm system that would produce a number of Red Wings greats.
Jim Devallano
One of the more well known GMs, Jim Devellano was not known for making big moves but his claim to fame was drafting a young player by the name of Steve Yzerman in the 1983 NHL Draft. Yzerman would go on to a Hall of Fame career, winning Stanley Cups and other accolades in the winged wheel. Devellano would reach the Western Conference Finals in 1987 and 1988, but would win the Stanley Cup in his second stint as Red Wings GM in 1997.
Ken Holland
Former Red Wings goaltender Ken Holland would become a successful GM in the Red WIngs organization. His story is one that has to be told because of the moves that he made that would pay off big time. He would acquire the likes of Hockey Hall of Fame goaltender Dominik Hasek, Hockey Hall of Fame defenseman Chris Chelios, and signed Stanley Cup champion Chris Osgood in free agency. Holland would be in Detroit for three Stanley Cups and his presence would be felt for years to come.
Art Duncan
Art Duncan would make history as he became the first captain, head coach, and general manager of the Detroit Cougars. He would debut with the Cougars in 1926 and assume the roles mentioned above. During his Cougar playing days, he spent one year in Detroit, accumulating three goals and two assists for five points in 34 games.
Worst general managers
Ted Lindsay
Former Red Wings legend Ted LIndsay was a menace on the ice. His small stature was noticed but his playmaking skills made up for his size. A tremendous hockey player, he made the transition to GM in 1977 and had a miserable time adjusting. He made poor decisions and had a lack of success at first. He would turn it around eventually and be named NHL Executive of the Year, but the mistakes and flaws would outweigh his success.
Ned Harkness
Ned Harkness was in a no-win situation when he was named GM on January 8, 1971 and it was immediately a failure. Over a 38-game span, the Red Wings would post a record of 12-22-4 and would never see the light of day. He failed to adapt to an older roster, his team resisted his progressive methods, and he also implemented the unpopular rule of no cigars in the locker room. This forced the players to turn against him. He would be replaced three years later.
Sid Abel
Sid Abel, another Red Wings player who was an excellent player, but did not have success with the organization as a GM. His Red Wings won 40 games from 1962-63 through 1969-70. His teams lost in the semifinals four times. lost in the quarterfinals once and did not qualify for the playoffs twice during his tenure. He is a legend on the ice in HockeyTown, but only for his play on the ice. His GM duties would make him known for other reasons.