It`s often said that pressure creates success, much like diamonds are formed under immense pressure. For an NHL general manager, the period from the moment their team is eliminated from contention until the off-season concludes represents the peak of this pressure.
During this critical window, all 31 general managers are working intensely to assemble a roster capable of winning the Stanley Cup. For some, the immediate expectation isn`t victory, but rather strategically positioning the team for future success. For others, however, the demand for winning is immediate, leading to frantic efforts to make the final, crucial roster adjustments.
Below are some NHL teams and their general managers facing particularly high stakes this summer, whether they are chasing instant results or laying the groundwork for long-term gains.
Chicago Blackhawks
It`s perhaps surprising that the amount of pressure on the Chicago Blackhawks franchise this off-season isn`t a more frequent topic of discussion. GM Kyle Davidson took the helm in October 2021 with the challenging mandate to dismantle the core foundation of the dynasty that featured stars like Jonathan Toews and Patrick Kane.
The results of this rebuild process have been somewhat inconsistent thus far. While Davidson successfully moved on from Kane and Toews during the 2022-23 season to fully commit to the rebuild, other roster decisions have drawn scrutiny. He traded away promising young players such as Brandon Hagel and Alex DeBrincat. Notably, he also declined to issue a qualifying offer worth $3.6 million to Dylan Strome, resulting in Strome leaving as an unrestricted free agent with no return for the team.
Arguably, the most fortunate turn of events for Davidson and the Blackhawks was their success in the 2023 draft lottery, which propelled them from third place to first overall. This allowed them to select Connor Bedard, a player widely considered a potential franchise-altering talent.
Chicago`s slow pace in accelerating the rebuild isn`t for lack of attempting significant moves. It`s well known that Davidson explored acquiring Jake Guentzel but was ultimately unsuccessful, losing out to the Tampa Bay Lightning.
“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,” Davidson stated in an interview with The Athletic.
While the Blackhawks continue to develop their pool of draft picks and prospects, the time is nearing to bring in significant, established talent. With substantial cap space available (around $29.2 million) and Connor Bedard clearly needing a proven, high-calibre winger to complement his play, pressure is distinctly building in Chicago.
Toronto Maple Leafs
The Toronto Maple Leafs achieved their first division title in a full NHL season in 25 years, won their first playoff series against the Senators since 2004 (the “Battle of Ontario”), and battled the defending Stanley Cup champions to a full seven games. Despite these milestones, the season was widely viewed as a disappointment by both the organization and its passionate fanbase.
Off-season pressure is a familiar experience for this team, which is perpetually striving to assemble its first Stanley Cup-winning roster since 1967. However, this summer feels particularly pivotal. The organization has seen the departure of President Brendan Shanahan, and superstar Mitch Marner is on track to become a free agent – both individuals were central figures in the team`s strategy over the past decade. Compounding this, GM Brad Treliving has publicly stated that the “DNA needs to change” within this group.
Whether this necessary transformation involves acquiring players with a more tenacious style this summer, potentially like Sam Bennett or Brad Marchand, or charting a different course entirely, Treliving is entering his third off-season as the Maple Leafs` general manager. The expectation is now firmly on him to clearly define and execute his vision for how this team will finally overcome its playoff hurdles and contend for the Cup by 2026.
