Longtime San Jose Sharks general manager Doug Wilson is stepping down from his position. He has been on a medical leave of absence for nearly the entire 2021-2022 season. In addition, he initially went on medical leave on November 26, 2021.
Statement from #SJSharks owner Hasso Plattner. pic.twitter.com/rK2eXVnciG
— San Jose Sharks (@SanJoseSharks) April 7, 2022
Doug Wilson Stepping Down From General Manager Position
Wilson had spent 19 years as the general manager of the San Jose Sharks. His skills were an integral part of their success for most of the 2010s, including their appearance in the 2016 Stanley Cup Finals. One of his most notable trades is the deal that landed superstar Erik Karlsson in 2018. Recently, he signed Tomas Hertl to a massive eight-year, $65.1 million deal, ensuring their top player will remain with the organization.
However, over the last few seasons, Wilson has shifted to more of a “reset” mentality. He’s been collecting draft picks and making fewer blockbuster deals. Unfortunately, a lot of their deals have gotten them lower-round draft picks in return. Wilson’s mentality, much to fans’ frustration, was to only have one or two years of their reset before being competitive again. However, the team was not skilled enough, and it just kept getting pushed back.
In his announcement, Wilson said, “These past 19 years serving as general manager of the San Jose Sharks have been a privilege and one of the most fulfilling and enjoyable periods of my life”.
What This Means For the Sharks
While having Doug Wilson stepping down due to health reasons is not the way San Jose fans wanted to see him leave, it creates a new opportunity for other front office members to shine. Assistant general manager Joe Will has assumed the head general manager role. With a club that is destined for a rebuild, it will be interesting to see how he handles this situation. For the time being, Sharks fans can look back and reminisce on the good years that Wilson brought them.
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