Building a Stanley Cup contender begins with the general manager, and successful GMs can transform franchises into contenders. Bill Zito turned the Florida Panthers from a laughingstock into a dominant, destination team. A preseason ranking identifies the most overrated GMs heading into the new season, naming Chris Drury at No. 5 and Ken Holland at No. 4. Drury faces criticism for questionable moves, repeated coaching turnover, an aging roster and a depleted farm system, and now has heightened scrutiny after more coaching changes. Holland enters Los Angeles with high expectations to make the Kings a top Western Conference team.
Building a Stanley Cup contender starts at the top. Ownership might not build the roster, but a general manager (GM) does. Bill Zito's work with the Florida Panthers turned a franchise that was a punchline into a juggernaut, a destination, and a dynasty in the making. Related: What's Really Changed After the Maple Leafs Summer Shakeup? Ranking a GM, however, is all about perception compared to results.
The general perception of New York Rangers GM Chris Drury is that he's done a good job after being hired into a great situation. However, he has made many questionable moves, and now, he's in the hot seat. The Rangers head into this season with an aging roster. They are desperate to return to the playoffs, but aren't talented enough to do so, largely due to Drury.
Ken Holland is known to be a smart, experienced GM who can build Cup contenders. When the Los Angeles Kings hired him, the feeling was that he would make them the best team in the Western Conference, or at least beat the Edmonton Oilers in the First Round of the playoffs (as a former Oilers GM, he should know how to beat them).
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