The saying “pressure makes diamonds” is well-known. For an NHL general manager, the period between their team`s elimination and the end of the off-season is arguably the most pressure-filled time.
During this critical window, 31 general managers are working diligently to construct a roster capable of winning the Stanley Cup. For some, the immediate expectation isn`t necessarily to win right now, but rather to lay a solid foundation for future success. For others, the demand for victory is urgent, pushing them to make crucial final adjustments to their teams.
Here are some NHL teams and their GMs facing particularly high stakes this summer, whether their goal is to achieve immediate results or set up a long-term payoff.
Chicago Blackhawks
It`s somewhat surprising that the Chicago Blackhawks aren`t discussed more frequently regarding the significant pressure the franchise faces this off-season. General Manager Kyle Davidson, who took the helm in October 2021, was tasked with dismantling the core of a dynasty that included stars like Jonathan Toews and Patrick Kane.
So far, the outcomes haven`t been ideal. Davidson indeed moved on from Kane and Toews in the 2022-23 season, fully committing to a rebuild. However, other decisions have contributed to the Blackhawks` current position. Davidson traded promising young players such as Brandon Hagel and Alex DeBrincat, and he notably didn`t extend a qualifying offer to Dylan Strome worth $3.6 million, allowing him to leave as a free agent with no return for the team.
Frankly, the most fortunate event for Davidson and the Hawks was winning the 2023 draft lottery, jumping from third to first overall, which enabled them to select Connor Bedard, a player capable of transforming the franchise.
Chicago`s limited progress in accelerating the rebuild hasn`t been due to a lack of effort. It`s known that Davidson pursued forward Jake Guentzel but ultimately lost out to the Tampa Bay Lightning.
Davidson commented on the team`s approach, stating, “Look, we’re always open to exploring these things, but it’s got to be right. It’s got to make sense. We can’t do something that’s going to be counter to the path that we’ve set out on. If there is a big move that presents itself, that makes sense, then I’m all for exploring that and pursuing something that does make sense.”
While the Hawks continue developing their drafted prospects, the time has arrived for them to acquire a significant impact player. With substantial cap space ($29.2 million) and Bedard desperately needing an established winger alongside him, pressure is clearly mounting in Chicago.
Toronto Maple Leafs
Despite winning their first division title in 25 years during a full NHL season, defeating the Senators in the first “Battle of Ontario” playoff series since 2004, and pushing the reigning Stanley Cup champions to a seven-game limit, the past season was largely viewed as a disappointment by both the team and its fanbase.
Off-season pressure is a familiar theme for the Maple Leafs as they strive to build their first championship team since 1967. However, this summer feels different. The organization recently parted ways with president Brendan Shanahan, and superstar Mitch Marner is approaching free agency – both were key figures in the team`s strategy over the last decade. Furthermore, General Manager Brad Treliving stated that the “DNA needs to change” within the group.
Whether this means adding hard-nosed players like Sam Bennett or Brad Marchand this off-season, or pursuing a completely different strategy, Treliving is entering his third summer with the Maple Leafs. The expectation is high for him to clearly define and execute his vision to help the team finally overcome its playoff hurdles by 2026.
Neville Woodall