On Tuesday, the NHL announced its three finalists for the GM of the year award. This season’s nominees are Peter Chiarelli from the Edmonton Oilers, David Poile of the Nashville Predators and Pierre Dorion of the Ottawa Senators. Notably absent from the list is Washington Capitals general manager Brian MacLellan.
Each of the nominees had a solid year in their own right. However, how does one judge a general manager? Using the things they can control (roster management and acquiring assets come to mind) is a pretty good litmus test.
There’s not a sane soul in the land who will argue Poile shouldn’t have been a nominee.