The National Hockey League (NHL) has seen its fair share of general managers who have been lauded for their success, but are they truly deserving of all the praise? In this article, we will take a closer look at five general managers who may be overrated in their roles.
1. Marc Bergevin – Montreal Canadiens:
Marc Bergevin, the general manager of the Montreal Canadiens, has been widely praised for turning the franchise around. However, his success can be largely attributed to the exceptional coaching of Claude Julien and the outstanding performance of goaltender Carey Price. Bergevin’s questionable trades and signings have often left fans scratching their heads.
2. Jim Benning – Vancouver Canucks:
Jim Benning, the general manager of the Vancouver Canucks, has made some puzzling decisions during his tenure. While he has made a few solid draft picks, his free-agent signings and trades have been inconsistent at best. The team’s lack of success in recent years raises questions about his ability to build a competitive roster.
3. Jarmo Kekalainen – Columbus Blue Jackets:
Jarmo Kekalainen, the general manager of the Columbus Blue Jackets, is often praised for his ability to find hidden gems in the draft. However, his team’s lack of sustained success in the playoffs raises doubts about his ability to assemble a championship-caliber team. Kekalainen’s conservative approach to trades and acquisitions may hinder the team’s chances of making a deep playoff run.
4. Kyle Dubas – Toronto Maple Leafs:
Kyle Dubas, the general manager of the Toronto Maple Leafs, has been under immense pressure to deliver a Stanley Cup to the hockey-crazed city. While he has assembled a talented roster, the team’s inability to advance past the first round of the playoffs raises concerns about his ability to build a championship team. Dubas’ focus on analytics has sometimes overshadowed the need for grit and physicality in the lineup.
5. Dale Tallon – Florida Panthers:
Dale Tallon, the general manager of the Florida Panthers, has been praised for his work in building a competitive team. However, his questionable contract extensions and expensive acquisitions have hindered the team’s salary cap flexibility. The Panthers’ lack of playoff success in recent years raises questions about Tallon’s ability to lead the team to postseason glory.
In conclusion, these five general managers may be regarded as overrated due to their inconsistent decision-making, lack of playoff success, or inability to assemble championship-caliber teams. While they have each had their fair share of accomplishments, their flaws cannot be overlooked. It’s crucial to analyze the entire body of work of a general manager rather than solely relying on their reputation.
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