BY ADAM DESLOGES – FAN FUEL BLOGGER
Last week saw the firing of Toronto Maple Leafs general manager Brian Burke. With the new salary cap coming into effect next season, GM’s will be busy taking calculus classes over the summer to help them balance their books. For some GM’s their off-season signings last year may end up causing their firing.
Team owners put a lot of faith in their GM’s and trust them to guide the team to what all owners want: a Stanley Cup. Oh and a long drive in the playoffs for the fans (money). After all it’s a business.
These five GM’s are surely walking a tight rope this shortened season.
1. Steve Tambellini, Edmonton Oilers – With this young crop of kids he’s had a hand in drafting, there is no excuse not to make the postseason and have a long run.
2. Chuck Fletcher, Minnesota Wild – Two huge contracts with the hopes of huge success. Good luck!
4. Doug Wilson, San Jose Sharks – Surprised he’s still there? Me too! This team is the poster child of underachievers and a long overdue house cleaning is in order.
5. George McPhee, Washington Capitals – In 14 years with the team he still hasn’t been able to solve their goaltending issues, but hey, he did get rid of Semin.
However you look at it, if it’s a coach, a GM or both that get fired, teams will be feeling the pressure to make a big splash early to position them for a playoff spot.
Who will be the next NHL GM to be fired?
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Adam has spent the majority of his life involved in hockey whether as a player, coach or referee. He has coached at all levels and divisions and has even coached in Graz, Austria. Adam has worked at numerous hockey camps including Vladislav Tretiak’s Elite School of Goaltending. He has coached throughout Ontario, Edmonton and with Hockey Canada’s Under 17 Program of Excellence. Adam has coached and played with a number of today’s NHLers such as Steve Sullivan (Phoenix Coyotes), Evgeni Nabokov (New York Islanders) and Cam Ward (Carolina Hurricanes). You can also follow Adam on twitter @AdamOnHockey
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