Who?s this year?s best GM?

ESPN?s Pierre LeBrun turned the ?Trophy Tracker? toward general managers today, weighing in as to which teams? GM?s have improved most dramatically over the course of the 2011-2012 season thus far:

1. Chuck Fletcher, Minnesota Wild: After three straight seasons out of the playoffs, Fletcher acted with gusto. He made a coaching change and a few blockbuster trades to give the franchise the kind of bolt it needed. He?s also patiently overseen the restocking of the organization?s depth of prospects. The surprising Wild are first in the overall NHL standings one week into December, and the GM is a big reason why. His bold moves in the offseason are paying off.

2. Dale Tallon, Florida Panthers: Someone has to tell Tallon he doesn?t get paid by the transaction. He?s turned over more than two thirds of his entire roster since taking the helm of the Panthers in May 2010. This includes another busy offseason last summer when he changed half his team. Among his moves, he made an inspired signing in Tomas Fleischmann and his trade acquisition of Kris Versteeg?both of whom are flourishing on the top line this season. But the big picture is Tallon?s loading up with draft picks over the past two years. The future is bright, both short term and long term in South Florida. Almost nobody envisioned this team leading the Southeast Division come Dec. 7, let alone sit just two points out of the conference lead.

Continued

Source: http://www.kuklaskorner.com/index.php/hockey/comments/whos_this_years_best_gm/

Steve Garrison Phil Hughes Damaso Marte Mariano Rivera Kerry Wood Francisco Cervelli