Last week, Jeff Marek shared key insights on his The Sheet podcast about what makes Eric Tulsky, general manager of the Carolina Hurricanes, so successful. Marek emphasized that modern NHL GMs need to think beyond the question "did you play?" and instead focus on analytical thinking and problem-solving.
Eric Tulsky's Success Formula
Tulsky, who never played hockey at any level, has excelled by thinking about the game at a high level. His ability to challenge staff, support the coach, negotiate trades, and especially manage up to owner Tom Dundon sets him apart. Tulsky's greatest talent is continuously turning over his roster without fear, always planning several steps ahead.
As Marek noted, the Hurricanes boast the NHL's best defence corps after moving on from players like Dougie Hamilton, Brady Skjei, Brett Pesce, Brent Burns, and Dmitry Orlov. Tulsky consistently finds cheaper replacements. For example, the Mikko Rantanen trade netted Taylor Hall, Logan Stankoven, and two first-round picks, and the team is now one game away from winning the Stanley Cup.
Tulsky traded Martin Necas to acquire Rantanen, but now has two key players for the Cup run plus future draft picks. He is not a linear thinker; he builds for the present while preserving future assets. Ryan Johnson and the Sedins would be wise to pick his brain as much as possible.
FIFA World Cup Observations
Australian media has praised B.C. Place as a true big-league stadium. However, questions remain about the roof: daytime shadows could affect TV, but at night an open roof would provide fresh air on hot days. Common sense should prevail.
Ticket prices are a major concern. Empty seats in Guadalajara and the Bay Area highlight that FIFA has forgotten this is the game of the people. Premium experiences are priced out of reach for most, and not enough affordable tickets were made available. Empty seats in the Bay Area for Switzerland versus Qatar underscore the ludicrous pricing. Hopefully, the 2030 World Cup will not repeat this mistake.
Hydration breaks are cynically seen as opportunities for commercial breaks, not player welfare. Despite frustrations, the World Cup brings the globe together, as seen with fans from Australia and Turkey in Vancouver, fostering better understanding.
