SAN JOSE, Calif. — Doug Wilson is stepping down as the general manager of the San Jose Sharks, the team announced Thursday morning.
The Sharks said Joe Will will remain interim general manager while a search is launched for Wilson’s replacement. The Sharks said there will be an “extensive, external search.”
Wilson, who was first hired as the Sharks’ general manager in May 2003, issued a lengthy statement Thursday, saying, “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. I have been incredibly fortunate to work for and with some of the most talented and passionate people in the game of hockey.”
Wilson had officially been on medical leave since Nov. 26 as the Sharks announced he would be stepping away from his day-to-day activities, which would be assumed by Will.
Wilson, who had been bothered by a persistent cough for at least two months before he took leave, was regularly in touch with Will and Sharks Sports & Entertainment president Jonathan Becher as he rested at his home in Scottsdale.
“I want to thank Hasso Plattner, along with our previous ownership groups, for the incredible opportunity and the trust they placed in myself and our staff,” Wilson said. “I want to also thank all of the coaches, players, scouts, trainers and members of the hockey department that I have worked with over these many years for their dedication and commitment to our organization.
“I want to thank the tremendous fans of the San Jose Sharks franchise. Your enthusiasm and support of this team is unmatched, and I will cherish the shared memories that we have built together over nearly two decades.”
Wilson had remained out of the public eye with no indication as to if or when he would be able to return to his GM role on a full-time basis.
One of Wilson’s last public appearances came Nov. 15 when he was officially inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame. Wilson was joined by his wife, Kathy, their four children, and several grandchildren for the ceremony at Meridian Hall in Toronto.
“I would not have been able to serve in this role for so long without the unconditional love and support from my family, especially my wife Kathy,” Wilson’s statement continued. “The sacrifices that they have made to allow me to pursue this opportunity have been selfless and I cannot thank them enough.
“Finally, I want to thank everyone who has reached out during my leave of absence. While I have made great progress over the last several months, I feel it is in the best interest of the organization and myself to step down from my current duties and focus on my health and full recovery. I look forward to continuing my career in the NHL in the future.”
Before he became the team’s general manager, Wilson spent six seasons from 1997 to 2003 as the Sharks’ director of pro development.
With Wilson as their GM, the Sharks enjoyed their most successful era, as the team advanced to the Western Conference finals five times and the Stanley Cup Final once in 2016. The Sharks have won five Pacific Division titles under Wilson and the President’s Trophy as the team with the NHL’s best regular-season record in 2007-08.
Prior to this season, the Sharks had the NHL’s best regular-season record since Wilson took over as the team’s GM, going 731-437-154 for 1,616 points, one more than the second-place Boston Bruins.
On Jan. 26, 2017, Wilson became just the fourth individual to play in 1,000 NHL games and to serve as a general manager of an NHL club for at least 1,000 games.
