25th Anniversary Top 100 People of Power and Influence: Top 20

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.

In the last four days, we've counted down from 100 to 21. Without further ado, here are hockey's top 20 most powerful and influential people.

He’s hands-off in the day-to-day operations, but he’s well regarded by those within the organization for his dedication to its people and the community in Southern California.

The former Blue Jackets GM successfully guided the AHL through its pandemic challenges after taking the top job in 2020. He was rewarded with a new multi-year contract last May. 

There’s not much in the game Campbell hasn’t seen through his work with officials, the situation room and as disciplinarian. His wealth of knowledge makes him incredibly valuable. 

When a Rick Westhead story drops, the sports world pays attention. This elite investigative journalist isn’t afraid to ask hard questions that spur important conversations. 

The U.S. women will defend gold on home soil in April, while the NHL’s elite yearn for a chance to don the stars and stripes. Membership has rebounded to pre-pandemic levels. 

Tardif is hard at work to get NHL players back to the Winter Olympics in 2026. A decision must also soon be made on Russia and Belarus, still banned from IIHF competition. 

When Walsh headed to Columbus to investigate Babcock, it was Hainsey who made the trip with him. The former defenseman has clearly struck up a kinship with the new union head. 

Crosby’s statesmanlike approach to life on and off the ice has made him a multi-generational role model. Even rival fan bases must begrudgingly admit the gift he’s been to the game.

A legend in the industry, presiding over a massive stable of NHL clientele. You can still find him at the rink, catching up with players, while advising the next generation of agents. 

Vinik’s consistent backing of his hockey-operations staff has helped turn the Lightning into a perennial contender and model franchise. Tampa has also nailed game-day atmosphere. 

Still at the top and could be an NHL executive whenever he wanted. A further sign of his influence? Several of his acolytes have spun off to start their own firms in recent years.

He’s inching closer to 1,000 points and a Hall of Fame shoo-in nine seasons into his career. Only a Stanley Cup will make the preternaturally gifted McDavid’s star shine brighter. 

Between the Capitals, Wizards and Mystics, Leonsis is synonymous with pro sports in Washington. His ownership coincides with the most successful period in franchise history. 

Edwards’ persistence throughout the arena proposal saga helped the Flames get the deal over the line. The 40-year-old Saddledome will be replaced by a new building by 2026-27. 

Leipold’s investments have helped keep the Wild competitive through his 15-year tenure and grown an already hockey-mad market into the U.S.’s most significant hockey hotbed. 

The superstar’s four-year, $13.25-million AAV mega-deal will walk him to free agency while he’s still in his prime. The pact could change how top stars approach contract talks.

Nearly 50 years at the helm of the Bruins and Jacobs’ influence remains as great as ever, particularly as he continues his reign as chairman of the league’s board of governors. 

Takes on a larger role with each successive season. His accession to the commissionership appears certain when the time comes that Bettman rides off into the sunset. 

Coming from a labor background, he wasted no time making a good impression. Walsh’s immediate actions in the Mike Babcock affair proved his first priority is protecting his players.

Three decades as NHL head honcho. What he lacks in popularity among fans, Bettman has made up for by producing financial results for the owners. The league is on solid footing.