A crucial component of any Stanley Cup-winning team is a skilled general manager (GM) guiding the front office. GMs are architects, responsible for drafting, developing talent, making impactful acquisitions in free agency and at the trade deadline, and orchestrating all facets of team operations.
While some GMs receive due credit for their accomplishments, others garner more praise than their actual achievements merit. The label “overrated” is subjective, yet several GMs fit this description due to their perceived success not aligning with their actual performance. Here’s a closer look at five GMs currently deemed overrated in the NHL.
5. Rob Blake
Rob Blake, GM of the Los Angeles Kings, isn’t widely regarded as one of the league’s top GMs, but he has earned respect for molding the Kings into a competitive squad. However, questions arise as to why he isn’t under more scrutiny, given his recent decisions.
The trade for Kevin Fiala wasn’t disastrous, providing the Kings with an elite winger to bolster their youthful roster into contention. Yet, the deal included costly sacrifices, notably a first-round pick in the 2022 NHL Entry Draft, which the Minnesota Wild utilized to select Liam Ohgrem, potentially a pivotal forward for their future. Another loss was Brock Faber, who emerged as a top defenseman, finishing second in Calder Trophy voting after a stellar season. Fiala delivered with 52 goals and 93 assists over two seasons, making the trade somewhat beneficial. However, subsequent moves didn’t fare as well.
Following the Fiala acquisition, Blake made a high-profile trade attempt that backfired, acquiring Pierre-Luc Dubois from the Winnipeg Jets and committing to an eight-year contract. This move threatened to set the Kings back significantly, compounded by the departure of Gabriel Vilardi, Alex Iaffalo, and Rasmus Kupari in the deal. After just one disappointing season with the Kings, Blake was compelled to offload Dubois to the Washington Capitals.
Despite these decisions, Blake appears to operate without imminent pressure. However, continued struggles or another early playoff exit, likely at the hands of the Edmonton Oilers, could spell the end for him next offseason. Reflecting on his tenure, the Kings had a promising rebuild in progress, boasting prospects like Brandt Clarke and Quinton Byfield. Imagining the team with Faber, Vilardi, and Iafallo could have significantly bolstered their lineup of players aged 25 and under.
4. Bill Guerin
Bill Guerin, highly respected in the NHL, was appointed GM of the USA hockey team for the 4 Nations Face-Off and the 2026 Winter Olympics, underscoring his stature in the league. Despite his reputation, Guerin’s tenure with the Minnesota Wild has yielded mixed results.
Guerin has effectively assembled competitive rosters, guiding the Wild to four playoff appearances in five seasons. However, the team has yet to advance beyond the first round, highlighting his struggle to craft a squad capable of deep playoff runs. Facing a sluggish start last season, Guerin opted for a coaching change, bringing in John Hynes, a move aimed at propelling the team towards championship contention.
While Guerin is respected among his peers, patience may be waning. Sustaining a GM position for over five seasons without playoff success is rare, prompting scrutiny from fans and stakeholders. Another disappointing season could prompt calls for change within the organization.
3. Don Waddell
Don Waddell enters this list in his debut season with the Columbus Blue Jackets, primarily due to a turbulent start to his tenure. Hired to stabilize the franchise, Waddell faced immediate challenges upon taking office.
The decision to dismiss head coach Pascal Vincent came belatedly, occurring during the Stanley Cup Final, leaving the team without leadership through the crucial offseason period. The Blue Jackets endured their third head coaching search since the 2023 offseason, exacerbating organizational dysfunction at all levels. Compounding these issues, the team remains coachless as the new season approaches, impacting player recruitment and team strategy.
Waddell’s offseason transactions further clouded his debut, notably signing center Sean Monahan to a five-year contract, a move diverging from a youth-focused developmental approach. While Waddell’s successful stint with the Carolina Hurricanes since 2018 offers hope for the Blue Jackets, the team’s rocky start under his leadership raises concerns.
2. Steve Yzerman
Dubbed the “Yzerplan” by fans, Steve Yzerman assumed the role of GM for the Detroit Red Wings in the 2019 offseason, entrusted with revitalizing a struggling franchise. Yzerman’s successful tenure with the Tampa Bay Lightning heightened expectations for his impact on the Red Wings.
Yzerman’s tenure in Detroit has been marked by strategic maneuvering and rebuilding efforts aimed at restoring the team’s former glory. His success in Tampa Bay, where he transformed the Lightning into a model franchise, fueled optimism among Red Wings faithful.
However, Yzerman’s ambitious plans for the Red Wings have yet to materialize into tangible success on the ice. Despite making notable roster adjustments and emphasizing player development, the team has struggled to secure playoff berths or advance deep into postseason contention. The slow progress has led some observers to question whether Yzerman’s methods will ultimately yield the desired results for Detroit.
Despite these challenges, Yzerman’s reputation remains strong within the league. His track record in Tampa Bay, where he orchestrated key acquisitions and cultivated a championship-winning roster, underscores his strategic acumen and ability to navigate complex team dynamics. The “Yzerplan” continues to be a rallying cry for Red Wings supporters, who anticipate eventual success under his leadership.
1. Brad Treliving
Brad Treliving’s tenure as general manager of the Calgary Flames and now the Toronto Maple Leafs has been characterized by high expectations and mixed results. Widely regarded as one of the league’s top GMs, Treliving faced scrutiny for his inability to elevate his teams to championship contention during his Calgary tenure.
Upon joining the Flames in 2014, Treliving made significant roster moves that bolstered the team’s competitiveness in the Pacific Division. Despite regular-season success, including two first-place finishes, the Flames faltered in the playoffs, rarely advancing past the second round. Key decisions, such as the handling of goaltending issues and challenging contract negotiations, contributed to the team’s playoff shortcomings.
Following a disappointing 2022 season, Treliving’s tenure in Calgary came to an end. His subsequent move to the Toronto Maple Leafs marked a new chapter, with expectations of building a championship-caliber team. Early efforts included coaching changes and strategic player acquisitions aimed at fortifying the roster and addressing key weaknesses.
As Treliving continues to shape the Maple Leafs’ future, the pressure to deliver tangible results intensifies. The Toronto market demands success, and Treliving’s ability to navigate challenges and maximize the team’s potential will determine his legacy with the franchise. Despite past setbacks, his reputation as a skilled negotiator and strategist remains pivotal in shaping the team’s trajectory.
NHL GM Honorable Mentions
While the aforementioned GMs top the list of the league’s most overrated, several others warrant honorable mentions for their handling of team operations and strategic decisions.
Tom Fitzgerald
has faced heightened expectations with the New Jersey Devils, leveraging multiple lottery selections to acquire top-tier talent like Nico Hischier, Jack Hughes, and Simon Nemec. However, the team’s inability to achieve sustained success under his leadership, compounded by questionable trades and roster moves, has drawn criticism.
Pat Verbeek
of the Anaheim Ducks has navigated a prolonged rebuild phase since his appointment, balancing the development of young talent with strategic acquisitions to accelerate team growth. Yet, the Ducks’ stagnant progress and inability to advance significantly in the standings raise concerns about Verbeek’s long-term vision for the franchise.
Lou Lamoriello
known for his tenure with the New York Islanders and prior successes, continues to command respect among peers for his shrewd management style. However, ongoing pressure to deliver consistent results and satisfy fan expectations places Lamoriello under scrutiny, highlighting the delicate balance between reputation and performance in the NHL.
In conclusion, the role of a general manager in the NHL is fraught with challenges and expectations. While some GMs garner accolades for their accomplishments, others face scrutiny for perceived shortcomings in team performance and strategic decision-making. The league’s landscape is dynamic, requiring GMs to navigate roster complexities, salary cap constraints, and competitive pressures to achieve sustainable success. As the NHL evolves, so too must the strategies and leadership approaches of its general managers, who remain integral to shaping the future of their respective franchises.
