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The Red Wings dominate The Hockey News 100 People of Power and Influence

December 21, 1:06 PMDetroit Red Wings ExaminerMike Mouat
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Ken Holland #11 (AP photo)
In The Hockey News 10th Annual People of Power and Influence rankings issue (dated December 29), the Detroit Red Wings top the list with six entries.
 
The rankings are a list of anyone and everyone who have some influence in the world of hockey, and even includes Tiger Woods at number 58 for his comment  “I don’t think anyone really watches hockey anymore,” which the publication estimates set the league’s marketing efforts back 20 years.
 
Toronto and Buffalo are tied for second with four entries each. In total 24 teams are represented on the list. Anaheim, Colorado, Columbus, Florida, New York Islanders and St. Louis are the only teams not represented. Vancouver was not originally represented on the list, however, Mats Sundin ranked 28th as a free agent at the time of publication has since signed with the Canucks.
 
General Manager Ken Holland is the highest ranked Red Wing at number 11. The publication cites that the Red Wings have been most successful under Holland’s guidance. Holland moves up one spot from last year’s list.
 

Yzerman #23 & Lidstrom #24 (Dave Sanford Getty Images)

Steve Yzerman, the Red Wings vice-president of hockey is ranked 23rd. The publication feels that a post as an NHL general manager will follow very quickly if Canada's 2010 Olympic team, managed by Yzerman, is successful. Yzerman moves up 36 spots from number 59 in last year's rankings.

Yzerman is followed on the list by Nicklas Lidstrom at number 24. Citing the difference in the Red Wings play with and without Lidstrom in hte lineup and the fact that he is the first European to captain a Stanley Cup champion, as well as his six Norris Trophies in the last seven years, Lidstrom makes the list as the best Swedish player ever. Lidstrom was not ranked last season.

Chris Chelios is ranked 40th. He continues to play a big role within the NHL Players Association executive and he commands high degree of respect from his peers, not to overlook his ability to defy the aging process on the ice as well. Ranked 13th last year Chelios falls 27 spots in this year’s rankings.


Hakan Andersson #65 (HHOF)

Coming in at number 60 is Henrik Zetterberg. His contract position is of significant importance and his ultimate influence will be determined by whether or not he takes a hometown discount and resigns with Detroit, or if he takes advantage of his Conn Smythe Trophy and age, 28, and signs with the highest bidder. Zetterberg was ranked 46th on last year’s list.

European scout Hakan Andersson is slotted in at number 65. His ability to find superstars with late round selections, such as Zetterberg, Pavel Datsyuk and Tomas Holmstrom, make Andersson the envy of many general managers from around the league. Andersson was not ranked in last year’s list.

 

For more info: check out The Hockey News website at www.thn.com.

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