Montreal Canadiens fans who believe that club owner Geoff Molson has significant clout within the National Hockey League (NHL) may be surprised by a recent ranking released just a few days ago.
In its annual publication, The Hockey News has released its list of the 100 most influential personalities in hockey. While the inclusion of NHL commissioner Gary Bettman at the top of the list is no surprise, Molson’s position at 64th place may raise eyebrows.
Several of his colleagues in the league are ranked ahead of him, including Jeremy Jacobs (Boston Bruins, fourth), Murray Edwards (Calgary Flames, sixth), Craig Leipold (Minnesota Wild, seventh), Ted Leonsis (Washington Capitals, eighth) and Edward Rogers (Toronto Maple Leafs, 13th).
In addition, the positions from 20th to 24th are occupied, in order, by David Blitzer (New Jersey Devils), Jeff Vinik (Tampa Bay Lightning), Christopher Ilitch (), Henry Samueli () and Mark Chipman (). Even Michael Andlauer (Ottawa Senators, 52nd), who once had shares in the Canadiens before buying the Ottawa franchise, ranks ahead of Molson.
Behind Bettman, Players Association executive director Marty Walsh is in second place, followed by deputy commissioner Bill Daly. The name of the captain of the , Connor McDavid, appears in fifth place.
It is notable that Quebec agent Pat Brisson is in 12th place, while Pittsburgh Penguins forward Sidney Crosby is in 15th. Two other active hockey players crack the top 50: Mitch Marner (Toronto, 30th) and Igor Shesterkin (New York Rangers, 41st).
Among athletes from the province, Wild goaltender Marc-André Fleury is ranked 83rd, and Montreal Victory forward Marie-Philip Poulin is 98th.