Ranking the Leagues 31 GMs - Is JB the Worst NHL GM?

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Ranking the 31 NHL general managers

Justin Cuthbert 8h ago

Tim Fuller-US PRESSWIRE

Every day this week, theScore's hockey editors are evaluating NHL teams on a different level of management. This time, we're focusing on the GMs, ranking them based on salary cap and asset management, as well as draft history.

• Farm systems
• Head coaches
• General managers
• Owners (Thursday, Aug. 4)
• Final rankings (Friday, Aug. 5)

31. Vancouver Canucks

 

Jim Benning is either in executive prison, and carrying out another's agenda, or Vancouver's obvious lack of mindful direction is his enormously misguided modus operandi.

30. Columbus Blue Jackets

There may actually be no coming back from a David Clarkson acquisition.

29. Colorado Avalanche

With recent moves falling short of intrepid, the Avs' front office ranks poorly primarily on the basis of aligning itself with the haphazard tactics of Patrick Roy.

28. Minnesota Wild

The blank space between high-paid, depreciating veterans and a hindered draft core is Chuck Fletcher-made. He needs Bruce Boudreau to fix it.

27. Edmonton Oilers

Having been gifted Connor McDavid and Jesse Puljujarvi, Peter Chiarelli can only appropriately be evaluated, now one year into his tenure, on piecing together a blue line. It's been a failure thus far.

26. Montreal Canadiens

 

Marc Bergevin has signed numerous deals that carry incredible value for the Canadiens, but his allegiances and mismanagement of P.K. Subban stands to define his tenure.

25. New York Rangers

It's unfair to dump on Jeff Gorton, who inherited an empty cupboard after his predecessor Glen Sather's failed pursuit of a championship. There's an onerous task ahead.

24. Boston Bruins

Don Sweeney has shown signs of intuition, and his nine draft picks in the first and second rounds could turn out to be a coup, but he's simply not managing assets and resources in an effective enough manner.

23. Ottawa Senators

It'll be tough for Pierre Dorion to make a distinctive stamp on the franchise, though it seems imperative he does so.

22. Carolina Hurricanes

 

Fans must be encouraged with Ron Francis' process so far. He's drafted quite well through two cycles, and made strategic, small-market tweaks to add high-level young talent to his mix.

21. Philadelphia Flyers

Many who contributed to Philadelphia's downfall still have pull, but Ron Hextall seems to be the right man to hold final say.

20. New Jersey Devils

With a clean slate and no immediate expectations from the higher-ups, Ray Shero's had the luxury of sitting back and tactically picking his spots, and he's done so with considerable effectiveness.

19. Los Angeles Kings

Success weighed heavily in this criteria, and yet, two Stanley Cups couldn't hide Dean Lombardi's suspect asset management, process, and draft record over the last five seasons.

18. Buffalo Sabres

 

With full backing from ownership, Tim Murray's in the process of aggressively executing his ideal: a full bottom-out, rapid rebuild. It's encouraging and exciting for fans, sure, but are undermining shortcuts taken with hurried growth?

17. Las Vegas

This seems like an appropriate spot for George McPhee, who will look to begin piecing together the framework for another President's Trophy winner in Las Vegas after a successful run in Washington.

16. Arizona Coyotes

The sample is limited in the post-Don Maloney era, but the John Chayka-Dave Tippett tandem is off too a booming start.

15. Detroit Red Wings

It feels strange ranking Holland anywhere but the top of the executive summit. His draft record is unrivaled, and he led the organization most prepared for changes in the post-lockout era. And yet, recent dealings suggest the Red Wings are failing to discern the NHL's current direction.

14. San Jose Sharks

A season of restoration and reconciliation has improved Doug Wilson's standing. Hiring Pete DeBoer and acquiring Joel Ward and Paul Martin re-routed this team, which came to within two wins of a validating title after flirting with deconstruction.

13. Calgary Flames

 

An odd Burke-ism may lead some to believe otherwise, but this is truly Brad Treliving's well-run, cost-effective show. He's picked his spots well, using draft weekend to acquire ready pieces and quality prospects, and there isn't a single handcuffing contract on the payroll.

12. New York Islanders

Garth Snow's brought a level of stability unknown in previous decades. His poaching of Johnny Boychuk and Nick Leddy catapulted his team into the next tier. And lately, his work at the draft could carry them into the next class of contenders.

11. Toronto Maple Leafs

This front office has been rhapsodized about enough, but earns marks for a multitude of reasons. The Maple Leafs and Lou Lamoriello have identified a clear objective, and they're funneling every resource into executing the plan. Purpose must precede performance.

10. St. Louis Blues

 

This is clearly a well-run organization, with the Blues' 230 wins the most in the NHL over the last five years. And yet, sustainability has almost become tired in the absence of tangible success. They'll continue to do things the right way - and win - but the measures required to lift them over the top haven't been taken yet.

9. Florida Panthers

It's been an odd summer, and ownership might be a touch too hands-on, but it remains a sage operation. This is a top-tier drafting team, and on the payroll, Dave Bolland's contract is the only beat-up pinto in a parking lot full of waxed luxury sedans.

8. Winnipeg Jets

After only five seasons of existence, the Jets have built up perhaps the league's best farm. Kevin Cheveldayoff has also brokered club-friendly extensions with his three most important non-entry-level assets. And he owns a clean book, which is paramount to a team working on an internal budget.

7. Anaheim Ducks

Bob Murray works without hesitation, which gets him in and out of trouble. But that's the type of activity - a persistence in trying to improve - you must appreciate as a fan. He's also won four consecutive division titles on a budget, which isn't nothing.

6. Dallas Stars

 

Having graduated from the Detroit Red Wings' school of management and inheriting vast resources in Dallas, Jim Nill's assembled the NHL's greatest attack primarily through the trade market. However, a solution in goal still eludes him.

5. Washington Capitals

Brian MacLellan's had influence on all matters in the Alex Ovechkin era, but since he earned autonomy over the club, it's turned a corner. He chose the right coach in Barry Trotz, and his tinkering has netted positive results.

4. Nashville Predators

It's a high mark for a group at it for 18 years, but few are executing better than the Predators right now. David Poile's brilliant contracts deeply outweigh the few that can be nitpicked, his defense looks as good on paper as it will on the ice, and his ability to swing high-stakes hockey deals is unmatched.

3. Pittsburgh Penguins

 

What a difference a year can make. He didn't build the Penguins, but Jim Rutherford restored them to a former glory with a series of extraordinary deals. And while there's a definite recency bias here, the Penguins' roster isn't about to be bludgeoned by the cost of a banner. That's Rutherford's doing.

2. Chicago Blackhawks

Stan Bowman's assembled three of the last seven championship rosters, so it does seem a bit silly not having Chicago at No. 1, but his front office isn't without fault. Chicago doesn't have a dazzling record at the draft, and will continue to be punished every summer under the weight of the cap.

1. Tampa Bay Lightning

Steve Yzerman inherited his pillars, but remains responsible for building an enduring contender around Steven Stamkos and Victor Hedman. He owns a superb draft record and has shown businesslike efficiency in the trade market, but what sets him apart is having his assets all toe the line.

 

 

Is he really the worst NHL GM, or should we just chalk another one up to "Toronto media bias"?

 

I think to call him the worst is a stretch, a spot in the mid/low 20's seems far more fair.  How they can put guys like Sweeney, Fletcher, Kekalainen, and even Chiarelli (as mentioned in the article he's been awful minus being gifted 2 draft picks) above him is laughable.

Sure there has been some odd moves (which vary depending on who you ask), but he has drafted well and restocked us with young NHL ready talent without having to give up too much of value.

 

Yzerman and Bowman at #1 and #2 are easy choices for me, Poile would round up my personal top 3.

 

[ruilin96]

The Tornonto Maple Leafs and Edmonton Oilers are the worst managed team for the past decade period.

[c00kies]

I wouldn't say he's the worst. Look how much Rutherford jumped up from winning a Cup, I think Benning can do the same if the Canucks make the playoffs.

 

Edit: Their other lists have typos and flat out incorrect "facts", so no surprise at the quality of this one.

[Jam126]

Man, talk about the disrespect as well. Lack of professionalism and extreme bias is clear in this article.

[Tre Mac]

Haha while I agree with their comments about JB, ranking him behind Las Vegas is all you need to read to judge the merit of this article. 

[Dral]

a couple of those teams actually had more then 1 sentence attached to them... impressive

[Mike Vanderhoek]

6 minutes ago, Jam126 said:

Man, talk about the disrespect as well. Lack of professionalism and extreme bias is clear in this article.

this.

 

I must admit I like what Carolina is doing right now, Francis making some solid moves.

[luckylager]

Pfft, load of turd that read was. 

 

13 minutes ago, ruilin96 said:

The Tornonto Maple Leafs and Edmonton Oilers are the worst managed team for the past decade period.

This

4 minutes ago, Tre Mac said:

Haha while I agree with their comments about JB, ranking him behind Las Vegas is all you need to read to judge the merit of this article. 

And this.

[HK Phooey]

Just another opinion piece written by a media hack who has never spent a day in the executive office of any sports franchise or any sort of business.  Garbage in = garbage out.

[PhillipBlunt]

The turds on Sportsnet are really floating to the surface these days regarding the horrible articles being penned by that half-assed media outlet.

 

It goes to show that any chump willing to take one for the Leafs or the Oilers can be paid to write dreck for SN.

 

Time to flush the crap down.

[Putgolzin]

Love it!

"Appear weak when you are strong, and strong when you are weak" - The Art of War

Nothing like having the drones continually telling the other drones how much we suck.

[Raymond Luxury Yacht]

How on earth did Jarmo not end up on the bottom.  Pierre Dorion should be 30th despite not being in the role for very long, just because Ottawa has been so poorly managed for a number of years....sorry to Bryan Murray, but it's true.  3rd from last should Mr. Cheat himself, the other Murray, Tim Murray, who made a mockery of players effort by icing a loser team for the best shot at McDavid.  He should be permanently banned from the NHL...I literally hate that guy.

 

Stevie Y should be #1, that is a good call.  I also like Stan Bowman, Jim Nill and David Poile. 

 

I won't delve into my disappointment at Benning's spot, I think it's fair to say last season was a fail, but I like our chances to make gains this season, and all things being equal, in a years time the outcome will be very different.  I understand the hate he gets, but I don't totally buy into it.  Look at Rutherford, all it takes is a solid winning season and you can go from zero to hero.

['NucK™]

in a weird way I'm starting to enjoy the fact that the canucks seem to be ranked dead last in every imaginable category. only way from here is up boys 

 

as for the article, I like how it starts off with "ranking them based on salary cap and asset management, as well as draft history. " and then fails to mention any of these, resorting to some wordy sentences rather than simple facts

[Aircool]

Jim Benning is one of the best Assistant GMs in the league, the problem is that Francesco Aquilini is the worst GM in the league. 

[-Vintage Canuck-]

Not even close.

[TimberWolf]

Who cares if we are ranked higher or lower then what shows up in the bottom five. That's arguing which turd is the shiniest 

[Raymond Luxury Yacht]

3 minutes ago, TimberWolf said:

Who cares if we are ranked higher or lower then what shows up in the bottom five. That's arguing which turd is the shiniest 

[Fanuck]

So much BS in that article,  don't know where to even start? 

[Jam126]

Just now, Fanuck said:

So much BS in that article,  don't know where to even start? 

There's literally no description as to why Benning is ranked where he is. It's just a bunch of insults thrown at him. It's despicable.

[Nucker 67]

Everyone's got an opinion. We assume the Canucks would be higher, because we actually watch the Canucks and we understand what JB has done so far. The rest of the league's writers and media just don't seem to get it.