Evaluating the Pacific GMs 

April, 12, 2012
04/12/12
10:53
AM ET

In 1995, Don Maloney was fired as the GM of the New York Islanders -- and it would take him more than a decade to get another GM gig. But when he finally got another chance in 2007 with the Phoenix Coyotes, it was clear that he had learned a few things. In fact, he was named GM of the year in 2010.

However, when it came to drafting, he wasn't horrible with the Islanders. But the question is: Has he been better in his second stint? The jury is out for now, but it's a question that comes up time and again when looking at the Pacific Division GMs. Both Maloney and Anaheim Ducks GM Bob Murray had to wait more than a decade between GM gigs. Los Angeles Kings GM Dean Lombardi is also on his second gig.

But even if these guys aren't markedly better, they'll probably do fine in the draft. As a division, the Pacific might have the best drafting GMs in the NHL, with some competition from the Central Division. Every GM here gets above-average value on each pick, which is no easy task.

Our series in which we are ranking GMs by their drafting prowess concludes with the Pacific.

Just to review, the rules are:

1. We're not simply judging the GMs based on the quality of players they have drafted. Because a guy with four top-five picks will always fair better than someone who consistently drafts in the late first-round. So, instead, we're looking at how well they've drafted, relative to their draft position.

2. We know some GMs let their scouts make the final calls on draft day, but they are still responsible for the picks.

3. We're looking at drafts from 1990 to 2008. Recent drafts are discounted because the jury is out on the large majority of those picks.

4. Metrics are based on Tom Awad's GVT, which is an advanced stat that encompasses all aspects of the game.

And we're off.


4. Bob Murray, Anaheim

Value added per pick: 0.04 GVT/season
Drafts: Ducks (2010-present), Chicago Blackhawks (1998-1999)
Top picks: Tyler Arnason (No. 183), Kent Huskins (No. 156), Michael Leighton (No. 165)

The only drafts that count (prior to 2008) are the ones in Chicago, so Murray is being judged on just two drafts. That's obviously not enough to make a good assessment. But he did find two players in the sixth and seventh rounds, which is no small feat. That said, he had two first-rounders in Chicago and didn't have much success with either -- Mark Bell (No. 8) and Steve McCarthy (No. 23).


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