by Dennis Lindsay

Created on: April 24, 2008

Critiquing the job done by an NHL general manager is a difficult task. So much of the string-pulling that is done behind the scenes by these master puppeteers is never seen by the public. The successes and failures of their daily battles are rarely revealed, and the faces these enigmatic men put on for the media is likely much different from the one they wear in the boardroom. Still, even without a clear understanding of exactly how they go about their business, the fans, who ultimately pay these men's salaries, can sit in judgment of them, using the only measuring stick that really matters in professional sports: results.

When it comes to consistent results over the past decade no other GM can boast the track record of Ken Holland, general manager of the Detroit Red Wings. The Red Wings have had the uncanny, almost psychic ability to evaluate foreign talent, and recognize which players will be able to transition their game to the NHL style. Year after year, despite almost always having a late round draft pick, they manage to steal another budding superstar out from under the noses of his 29 competitors. Much of the credit must naturally go to his excellent scouting staff for this success, but it is Holland that oversees them, and ultimately put them in place. By building from within while recognizing when to add key pieces and key times, Holland has managed to build a team that consistently finishes at or near the top of the NHL, and is a perennial favorite to bring home the Stanley Cup.

Speaking of Stanley Cups, New Jersey Devils' general manager, Lou Lamoriello has three on his impressive resume. No other GM commands the respect of his peers and his players that Lou does. He has a consistent track record of getting the most out of teams that on paper do not seem to measure up to the opposition throughout the league. The loyalty he commands from his players is unmatched throughout the NHL, as is evinced by a roster that seems to remain the same year after year, despite the current trend of more and more NHL players seeking greener pastures and bigger dollars every year. Lou's players not only would go through the wall for him, but in many cases take less money than they could earn elsewhere for the opportunity to go through that wall. Whatever his secret, he is the envy of his peers, who no doubt wish they could command that same level of loyalty.

In third place of on this list is the blustery, belligerent general manager of the Anaheim Ducks. Brian Burke pulls no punches when it comes to his management style. He does not mince words. Ask him a question, and he'll tell you exactly what he thinks. His abrupt manner no doubt ruffles the feathers of his more refined peers, but he is not in the business to make friends. He is all about winning, and those in the business recognize this competitive fire and grudgingly respect him for it. The Vancouver Canucks made a huge mistake letting this knowledgeable hockey man go, and the Anaheim Ducks were the benefactors. Burke's loyalty to his players, and his ability to outline a successful plan and stick to it in the face of criticism brought a Stanley Cup to this franchise in 2007. You can bet it won't be the last time Burke's name is engraved on that hallowed trophy.

There are many good general managers throughout the league, but though many show promise, or have had past success, none are quite in the category of these three heavyweights. It is a tough, often thankless job, but nobody does it better than Holland, Lamoriello, and Burke.

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