Former San Jose Sharks GM takes on new role with Pittsburgh Penguins

Former San Jose Sharks general manager Doug Wilson, now in better health, has been hired by the Pittsburgh Penguins as a senior consultant for hockey operations.

 

According to the Penguins, Wilson “will provide advice, opinions and expertise to hockey operations management on all matters, including personnel decisions” and will join the team at various times vary during the season and off-season. .

“Doug brings more than 40 years of NHL experience to our program,” Kyle Dubas, president of hockey operations and general manager of the Penguins, said in a statement. “Doug will be a source of experience and wisdom for our entire hockey operations department. His ability to maintain high standards of performance and professionalism over two decades with the Sharks is the type of consistency we all desire in these positions.

Wilson, 66, stepped down as general manager of the Sharks in April 2022 to focus on his recovery from an undisclosed health issue, but said at the time that he wanted to continue his career. his future NHL career. Wilson’s health improved earlier this year and speculation began about a possible return to the NHL to some extent.

Beginning in May 2003, Wilson served as general manager of the Sharks for 19 years. During this span, the Sharks had the third-best regular season winning percentage in the NHL and made the playoffs 14 times, reached the Western Conference Finals five times, and were in the Stanley Cup finals once in 2016. The Sharks also won the Presidents Cup in 2009. for having the best regular season record in the NHL.

The Sharks organization honored Wilson for his accomplishments in a special ceremony last October, unfurling a banner with his initials from the rafters of SAP Center before the team faced Chicago Blackhawks. Wilson was traded by Chicago to the expansion Sharks in 1991 and captained San Jose for two years until retiring in 1993. Wilson was elected to the Hockey Hall of Fame in 2020 and was inducted in November. 11, 2021, shortly before the start of what was originally intended to be a temporary medical leave.

With the Penguins, Wilson reunites with defenseman Erik Karlsson, who Pittsburgh acquired from the Sharks last month in the NHL’s biggest offseason trade.

During the Stanley Cup win in September 2018, Wilson acquired Karlsson from the Ottawa Senators for a series of players and draft picks, then signed the Norris Trophy winner to a contract extension. 8 years and $92 million next spring. The Sharks have missed the playoffs the past four years and are in the process of rebuilding under Mike Grier, now in his second year as the team’s general manager.

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