2022 Jim Gregory General Manager of the Year Award Contenders: Guerin, MacFarland, and Verbeek
The race for the Jim Gregory General Manager of the Year Award is heating up, with Bill Guerin of the Minnesota Wild, Chris MacFarland of the Colorado Avalanche, and Pat Verbeek of the Anaheim Ducks emerging as the top contenders. This prestigious award recognizes the general manager who has excelled in their role during the regular season, as voted on by the League's general managers and a panel of NHL executives and media.
Guerin made significant moves to bolster the Wild's roster, including acquiring defenseman Quinn Hughes, who made a major impact with 54 points in 48 games. The Wild finished third in the Central Division and won a playoff series for the first time in years, thanks to key additions like Hughes, forward Kirill Kaprizov, and defenseman Brock Faber.
MacFarland played a pivotal role in the Avalanche's success, leading them to the best record in the NHL and clinching a playoff berth for the ninth consecutive season. His strategic signings, including defenseman Brent Burns and center Brock Nelson, strengthened the team's roster and contributed to their impressive performance throughout the season.
Verbeek guided the Ducks to their first playoff berth since 2018 and a second-round appearance after defeating the Edmonton Oilers. His savvy moves, such as hiring coach Joel Quenneville and acquiring key players like Mikael Granlund and Chris Kreider, helped propel the Ducks to success on the ice.
As the finalists vie for the coveted award, the winner will join the ranks of past recipients who have made significant contributions to their teams' success. Stay tuned to see who will be crowned the Jim Gregory General Manager of the Year and visit Records.NHL.com for more information on this prestigious award and other NHL trophies.