Introduction

In the NHL, changes in front office personnel are less common than coaching changes, yet they play a crucial role in a team's long-term success. A recent example is the Buffalo Sabres, who made a significant shift by appointing Jarmo Kekäläinen as their new general manager on December 15, 2025, in place of Kevyn Adams. With this fresh leadership, the Sabres notably improved their performance, winning 14 of the next 18 games as of January 22, 2026. But Buffalo isn’t the only team that might require a management shakeup to enhance their chances of future success. This article examines five other NHL teams that could also benefit from a front office overhaul.

New Jersey Devils: In Need of a New Direction

The New Jersey Devils were once considered a rising contender, fueled by young talents like Jack Hughes and Nico Hischier. After a successful 2022-23 season, where they finished with a franchise-best 112 points, the expectations were high. However, their 2023-24 performance has been disappointing, primarily due to injuries and inconsistency. General Manager Tom Fitzgerald has been unable to address the team's pressing needs for additional scoring and depth at center, leading to criticism from fans. Winning only 14 of their last 33 games, many are now questioning whether Fitzgerald's reign will continue if results don’t improve by the end of the season.

St. Louis Blues: Facing Transitional Times

The St. Louis Blues are heading for a management change following the conclusion of this season, as current GM Doug Armstrong is set to pass the torch to Alexander Steen. Armstrong, known for transforming the Blues into Cup champions in 2019, saw the franchise plunge into decline since that historic victory. Their recent performance has been lackluster, with the team near the bottom of the standings and many core players underperforming. With a roster that includes overpaid stars like Robert Thomas and Jordan Kyrou, fans are concerned about the Blues’ direction. A change in management may allow the organization to rejuvenate itself and focus on future successes.

Toronto Maple Leafs: A Struggling Powerhouse

The Toronto Maple Leafs have been one of the more consistent regular-season teams over the last few years, clinching playoff berths for several consecutive seasons. However, their inability to experience postseason success has raised eyebrows regarding the effectiveness of their management. After replacing Kyle Dubas with Brad Treliving as GM in 2023, the Leafs have continued to fall short of expectations. Currently, they are battling just to stay in playoff contention. Should they fail to reach the postseason, ownership could consider another management shakeup to revitalize the team’s championship aspirations.

Vancouver Canucks: Drama in the Front Office

The Vancouver Canucks made headlines with their management transitions, hiring Jim Rutherford as team president and Patrik Allvin as GM. Initially, their arrangement appeared promising, yet the franchise has recently faced tumultuous times. Following an impressive 2023-24 season where they pushed the eventual Cup finalists to seven games, they have struggled to maintain that momentum. Infighting within the team and injuries have plagued their season, culminating in trades that left fans desiring stability. Although changes may not happen immediately, a management overhaul could prove essential for a successful rebuild.

Winnipeg Jets: The Need for a New Vision

Since its relocation from Atlanta, the Winnipeg Jets under GM Kevin Cheveldayoff have built a playoff-contending team, highlighted by their Presidents' Trophy win in the 2022-23 season. Despite this, they have not capitalized on their marginal successes in the playoffs. Criticism has emerged regarding Cheveldayoff's handling of the team’s current issues, particularly with the roster’s composition and the lack of quality prospects. As the Jets aim to get back into playoff contention this season, they must contemplate whether a fresh set of ideas in the front office could turn them from just another playoff team into serious Stanley Cup contenders.

Conclusion

As seen with the Buffalo Sabres, a timely management change can be the catalyst for significant improvement on the ice. Whether it's the New Jersey Devils confronting player injuries, the St. Louis Blues preparing for an impending transition, or the Toronto Maple Leafs seeking that elusive championship, many teams face important choices about their leadership. It remains to be seen who will follow the Sabres' lead in making necessary adjustments, but one thing is for certain: effective management is vital for standing out in the competitive landscape of the NHL.