Ray Shero, Pittsburgh Penguins
Ray Shero could be considered one of the shrewest minds in the NHL, or one of the luckiest. It is not hard to see that he has a stacked roster in most positions, with the ability to build and roll a four line roster on a nightly basis. This certainly helps lure players to Pittsburgh. His offseason signing of goalie Tomas Vokoun from the free agent scrap heap could be his best decision from this season. It gave Pittsburgh a viable backup, which they ended up needing in the playoffs. Shero’s consideration for this award must include his successful trade of Jordan Staal/acquisition of Brandon Sutter, aforementioned Vokoun signing and trade deadline acquisitions of Stars captain Brenden Morrow, Sharks defenseman Douglas Murray, and Flames captain Jerome Igninla. In all, Shero was able to acquire these impact players for nothing more then some second-tier prospects and draft picks.