Kevin Allen of USA TODAY selects the NHL's most important people...

9. Jeremy Jacobs, Boston Bruins owner: Jacobs, 76, is chairman of the NHL’s Board of Governors, giving him considerable influence on league decisions. He is viewed as a hardliner when it comes negotiations with the NHLPA. He has owned the Bruins since 1975.

16. John Chayka, Arizona Coyotes general manager: When he was promoted in May at age 26, he became the youngest GM in the history of the four major sports. Chayka is a leader among the game’s new thinkers who emphasize analytics. You can be sure other owners are watching how he does.

47. Bob McKenzie, TSN (Canada) reporter: More than 1.4 million people follow him on Twitter because he is so wired into the behind-the-scenes maneuvering. The running joke used to be that NHL GMs were required to notify the league and McKenzie when they made a trade.

47 more names...