The Toronto Maple Leafs have officially narrowed their search for a new head of hockey operations, and Rangers Associate GM Ryan Martin is no longer in the running. NHL Insider Elliotte Friedman described Martin as having "great interviews" that left a strong impression on the MLSE search committee, but the Leafs have informed Martin he will not advance to the final stage of the process.
For the Rangers, this is a significant victory for front-office continuity. Martin, who was promoted to Associate General Manager at the start of the 2025-26 season, has become Chris Drury’s indispensable right-hand man and a primary architect of the team's salary cap strategy.
A resume built for the big stage
Martin is entering his fifth season with the Rangers in 2025-26. Since joining the organization prior to the 2021-22 season, he has served as Assistant General Manager and the GM of the Hartford Wolf Pack. His impact was immediate, helping navigate the complex cap gymnastics required during the Rangers' recent deep playoff runs.
Prior to his tenure in New York, Martin spent 16 seasons with the Detroit Red Wings, including 11 years as Assistant GM. While there, he was also the Director of Hockey Administration and in that role it was his job to manage the cap, stay current on CBA compliance, and lead contract negotiations. Martin arguably has one of the most diverse resumes in hockey which includes a blend of scouting, legal, and administrative expertise that the organization is happy to keep around.
In addition to winning a Stanley Cup with the Red Wings in 2007-08, Martin oversaw the Grand Rapids Griffins in the AHL for eight seasons and was with them for their Calder Cup win in 2017. Like many within the Rangers organization, Martin has deep ties to Team USA, serving as the GM for the 2022 IIHF World Championships.
Most importantly, Martin has a wealth of professional experience outside of hockey that prepared him for the high-stakes role he holds today. He earned a Bachelor's degree in Economics and Legal Studies before obtaining both his law degree and an LLM in taxation from the University of Denver, important tools that make him the perfect capologist for the modern NHL.
What Martin staying in New York means for the Rangers
With the NHL salary cap projected to jump to $104 million this summer, Martin’s expertise is more valuable than ever. He is currently overseeing a critical period for the Rangers, helping Drury map out the financial options that will be available as top-tier free agents hit the market. This strategy must factor in how to add talent through trades and signings while balancing a competitive roster, financial flexibility, and maintaining New York as a premier destination for talent.
While Toronto may have passed for now, the GM-in-waiting tag on Martin has only grown stronger. After being a finalist in both Nashville and Toronto, it is likely only a matter of time before Martin is running his own NHL club, but for at least one more pivotal summer, he remains a Ranger. With Drury facing mounting criticism for the team's recent performance, who is to say Martin's next chance won't eventually come with the organization he has now served for half a decade.
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