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Originally Posted by Strange Brew
Is it really owners that put pressure on the GM to win now? You'd think they'd be interested in more long term sustainable success. Mots owners aren't in the business of flipping pro sports franchises.
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From what I’ve read, there are very few hands-off owners in today’s NHL. Some (like the Wild’s Leipold) have come right out and said they will never rebuild, and they want to stay competitive.
Most owners have pretty extreme personality types, and their team being at the bottom of the standings is unbearable to them. They hire management teams to make the playoffs and compete for a Cup. The ownership who took over the Penguins a few years ago wouldn’t let Hextall rebuild, even though it was obvious to most hockey people that time was up on the Crosby-Malkin-Letang core. His replacement, Dubas, didn’t trade for Karlsson because he thought it was the smart long-term move, but because his marching orders from his bosses was to keep the band together and make another run.
NHL owners might be smart at whatever they earn their money from, but they’re often extremely impatient and unrealistic about their status toy.