25th Anniversary Top 100 People of Power & Influence in Hockey: Nos. 60 to 41

The Top 100 People of Power & Influence in hockey are featured annually in The Hockey News' Money and Power issue, available at THN.com/free.

In the 25th anniversary of THN's Top 100 People of Power and Influence list, we're unveiling the Century Club, which includes owners, players, execs, media and more.

Each person on the list this year is ranked in 13 categories of clout, along with many more powerbrokers identified within various silos of expertise. That's all available to find in The Hockey News' Money and Power 2024 Hockey Business Annual.

On the third day of this five-day series, here are those ranked from 60 to 41 on the 25th anniversary Top 100 People of Power & Influence:

Favorable expansion draft rules can’t account for the off-ice success of the franchise. Foley’s vision has turned Vegas into the blueprint for an unforgettable fan experience. 

Friedman’s presence is ubiquitous on Hockey Night in Canada and Leafs broadcasts, plus with his 32 Thoughts column and podcast. A well-connected insider and stellar interviewer. 

Trusted legal mind has a new boss, but his mandate remains the same: informing players when they have league concerns and also serving as a general counsel for negotiations. 

With more than 35 years of NHL experience, this veteran voice continues to lead on the executive committee. Keeps a tight lid on information and is known for his fierce loyalty.

The brilliance of ‘Willy Styles’ is going to force Toronto into its most difficult decision of the current era. His play is deserving of becoming the second-highest-paid Maple Leaf. 

Dermott donned Pride tape and dared the NHL to fine him for showing support for the LGBTQ+ community. The league soon walked back its ban on the tape. That’s allyship. 

Arguably not since the ’90s have sports cards been more popular, and Masherah and Co. secured exclusive rights to physical cards thanks to a partnership struck last season.

The Habs are 30 years removed from their last Cup, but Molson has turned Montreal into a billion-dollar business. He guides the NHL’s direction thanks to seat on executive committee. 

The only (video) game in town for couch coaches. The rise in eSports – along with NHL-sponsored tournaments – has put EA’s NHL product front and center for lovers of digital puck. 

From business analyst to powerhouse in the live-events business as COO at Ticketmaster, Howe brings a wealth of experience and business acumen to daily-fantasy giant FanDuel. 

DraftKings co-founder turned fantasy sports into an outright obsession for many hockey fans. Game-changing vision has helped turn fantasy sports into an even bigger business. 

It’s no small task leading a storied franchise but Ilitch has acquitted himself well as top brass and Red Wings governor. Detroit has been patient while awaiting renewed on-ice success. 

Acquisitions of Score Media and Gaming – plus an agreement with ESPN – paved the way for PENN properties to become the NHL’s official sports-betting partners. 

It’s not easy to keep players in the NHL’s smallest market, but Cheveldayoff found a way to extend both Connor Hellebuyck and Mark Scheifele. Also on the executive committee. 

BetMGM helped bring the gaming business out of casinos and into the household. Greenblatt parlayed his former role at Entain Holdings into the creation of MGM Entain Interactive. 

The NHL’s rights deal in the U.S. is key for the game’s popularity. Kinks are being ironed out, but the “Worldwide Leader in Sports” has a star-studded cast that gives its broadcasts clout. 

Taking direction from the uber-successful NBA telecasts and finding a way to mix analysis and insight with jocularity has quickly made TNT the gold standard in hockey broadcasting. 

Another executive committee member, Waddell has a good thing going as Carolina pushes for a Cup. Players want to stay, as Sebastian Aho showed when he re-upped for eight years. 

Business continues booming in the sports-betting world. An official partnership with the league and endorsement deals with Gretzky and McDavid keep MGM atop the heap. 

Hughes has become undeniable and the NHL’s most underpaid player one-and-a-half seasons into an eight-year deal. A Hart Trophy in the near future isn’t an unrealistic expectation.