Ex-Sharks GM Doug Wilson, with improved health, could return to NHL
Former San Jose Sharks GM Doug Wilson’s health has improved to the point where might return to the NHL in some capacity
Former San Jose Sharks general manager Doug Wilson’s health has improved to the point where might return to the NHL in some capacity, this news organization has confirmed.
Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman first mentioned the possibility Tuesday on the “The Jeff Marek Show” in Canada.
Wilson, 65, stepped down as the Sharks’ GM last April to focus on his recovery from an undisclosed health issue, but also noted at the time that he wanted to continue his career in the NHL in the future.
Wilson’s health has improved in recent months and he was seen with his oldest son, Doug Jr., talking to scouts and executives at last week’s regular season game between Arizona and Seattle at Mullett Arena in Tempe. Wilson has a home in the Phoenix area and Doug Jr. works as a scout for the Kraken.
What role Wilson would potentially have and what NHL team he might join is unclear, but Friedman said he is back on the radar for some franchises.
Two teams, the Calgary Flames and Pittsburgh Penguins, have GM openings, but Wilson might draw interest in other roles given the respect he earned as both a longtime executive and a Hockey Hall of Fame player.
Wilson has ties to the Chicago Blackhawks, having starred for the team for 14 seasons from 1977 to 1991, which included winning the Norris Trophy as the NHL’s best defenseman in 1982.
Wilson was traded to the expansion Sharks in 1991 and served as San Jose’s captain for two years until his retirement in 1993. Wilson was elected to the Hockey Hall of Fame in 2020 and inducted in November 2021, shortly before he began what was originally intended to be a temporary medical leave of absence.
Wilson served as the Sharks’ general manager for 19 years from May 2003 to April 2022. In that time, the Sharks had the third-highest winning regular season winning percentage in the NHL and made the playoffs 14 times, reaching the Western Conference final five times and the Stanley Cup Final once in 2016.
The Sharks have missed the playoffs the last four seasons, with Mike Grier taking over as the team’s GM last July.
The Sharks organization honored Wilson for his accomplishments with a special ceremony in October, raising a banner with his initials to the rafters at SAP Center before the team played the Blackhawks.