So you've decided to become a GM...

Here are some helpful hints and tips that should help you on your way to getting a Stanley Cup, or at least not getting the first overall pick every year despite getting the first overall pick every year.

When drafting

1.) It's your pick and that European kid looks good, why don't y-D'AWW!

2.) "Who?" is not a good response to be hearing about your new rookie. Especially when it's coming from the rookie.

3.) Sure, tanking's fun, but wouldn't you still like to see a bit of postseason? Nah, who am I kidding! Give 'em hell, kid!

4.) When the guy you wanted gets picked the go before yours, don't panic, there is often more talent out there, don't just panic, scatter a list of names and take one to the front of the class. Although you do get bonus points for mispronunciations.

5.) There's a set of twins in the draft, best pick them both. You don't know which one's better, and even if you did you don't know which one's which.

When trading

1.) Pokemon are not good returns.

2.) Don't trade away all your 2013 draft picks, the world is not going to end before then.

3.) Never trade for an Ottowa goalie.

4.) Wojtek Wolski is only really good for at most a season with a new team, but still quite good in that time. Just as he's starting to drop off, quickly trade him to the other conference where he can't hurt you back.

5.) Don't get your proposal ideas from Eklund, even if he is coming up with completely new ideas.

Signing, free agency, waivers etc

1.) Always tend towards players who aren't too disgusted by the idea of playing for your team

2.) This guy's been with the team on about 4 or 5 different occasions... I'm sure it'll work out this time though...

3.) There comes a point where you stop throwing ridiculous numbers at the guy and realise that Kovulchuk just doesn't want to play for you any more, he wants to go to a cup contending team like-... ohwait...

4.) As much as he might try and convince you otherwise, your 3rd/4th line centre is not worth $4.5mil per season.

5.) Why am I paying $6mil for a goalie who can't move?

Now I'm sure you've got lots to think about for your new team. You'll have plenty of ideas of what you can do to help improve either the entire structure of the team or the minor tweaks that will go a long way to revamping your image. There is just one more topic of discussion worth noting though, nobody likes to talk about it, but here goes:

Injury management

1.) A guy has been injured and probably won't be seen again for a while, if you're going to bring in a replacement from another team, check him thoroughly for medical conditions

2.) Man, this AHL team has seen a lot of NHL ice time recently.

3.) As much of an achievement a Gordie Howe hat trick is, just remember the risks involved.

4.) Rick Dipietro is made of glass, make sure you've got a backup plan... Say, what's Nabokov doing now-a-days?

5.) Some seasons they just hit you and there's nothing you can do about it, but if you look to your younger guys to step up you can just about see their spirit crushing with each game closer you get to a top 5 pick.