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Mike Grier became the first black general manager in NHL history when he was hired by the San Jose Sharks on Tuesday.
The 47-year-old replaces Doug Wilson, who resigned on April 7 after 19 seasons to focus on his health. Assistant GM Joe Will held the position while San Jose conducted its search.
Grier played for the Sharks from 2006 to 2009.
“Really excited to be working and being back in the Bay Area,” he said. “I know there have been a lot of ups and downs but I’m willing to work hard and get this thing back on track. We’re going to start winning some games in Shark Tank and get it working again. See you soon.”
Grier said there was no timeline for hiring a coach after Bob Boughner was drafted July 1 with the 2022 Upper Deck NHL Draft on Thursday (7:00 p.m. ET; ESPN, ESPN+, SN, TVAS) and Friday (11:00 a.m PM ET; NHLN, ESPN+) , SN, TVAS) and beginning free agency on July 13. The Sharks have not made the Stanley Cup Playoffs in the past three seasons, having qualified 14 of the previous 15. They were 32-27-13 this season, 20 points behind the Nashville Predators for the second Western Conference wildcard.
San Jose holds the No. 11 pick in the 2022 draft. Eight players are eligible for restricted free agents, including defenders Mario Ferrari and forward John Leonard and Jonathan Dahlen.
“We don’t want to tear this down like Arizona (Coyotes) or some teams have done in the past,” Grier said. “Yes, there are some salary cap challenges (NHL), but I think the majority of the league is flat cap and they have it [same] Output. So we don’t want to remodel… there are plenty of ‘R’ words you could use. For us, there might be some bumps along the way and we might have to step back a bit to move forward, but we’ll try to get better and try to improve the squad.
“I think we can improve in every way, to be honest. There are a few pieces on the list that we like that we want to build around. But I think overall there isn’t a specific point that I think needs work. The draft is number 1, then comes the free agency. We have to deal with that, and Joe and I have already started a bit. Then development camp and a coach.
[RELATED: Grier doesn’t intend to completely rebuild Sharks as new general manager]
Grier worked as a hockey consultant for the New York Rangers last season, assisting with hockey-related decisions and off-ice player and prospect development. He also helped develop players on the ice at Hartford, their American Hockey League affiliate.
“I’ve had the privilege of knowing Mike for nearly three decades, and I’ve always had the utmost respect for him as a person, player and leader,” said Rangers President and GM Chris Drury. “I’m proud to call him a friend and I look forward to seeing what he does with the Sharks. We will miss him in New York but we wish him and his family all the best in this new opportunity.”
Before joining the Rangers, Grier was an assistant coach with the New Jersey Devils for two seasons (2018-20) and a professional scout for the Chicago Blackhawks from 2014-18.
A former forward, Grier played 14 NHL seasons after being selected by the St. Louis Blues in the ninth round (#219) of the 1993 NHL Draft. He had 383 points (162 goals, 221 assists) in 1,060 regular-season games for the Edmonton Oilers, Washington Capitals, Buffalo Sabers and Sharks and 28 points (14 goals, 14 assists) in 101 playoff games.
“While we were intrigued and grateful for many of the nominees, particularly those who ended up being finalists, Mike’s continued commitment to culture set him apart from the crowd,” said Jonathan Becher, President of Sharks. “Culture, not just on the ice but off the ice as well. Mike is a true testament to one of the principles of our organization and that is say what you mean and then do what you say.”
Grier’s older brother, Chris, is the GM of the Miami Dolphins of the National Football League.
“I’m incredibly proud of Mike,” said Chris Grier. “The San Jose Sharks organization is getting a man of great character and integrity. He has always been respected by his peers on and off the ice.
“Mike will bring his work ethic and passion to the job every day. Mike understands the game, with intelligence, experience and knowledge to succeed as a GM. Our parents all deserve credit for raising us. We have been very fortunate to be able to watch and learn from our father Bobby as he grows up. Congratulations to Mike and the San Jose Sharks on a great hiring!”
Chelena Goldman, independent correspondent for NHL.com, contributed to this report
