Mike Grier was named 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 stepped down April 7 after 19 seasons to focus on his health. Assistant GM Joe Will held the position while San Jose conducted its search.
“Really excited to work and to be back in the Bay Area,” said Grier, who played for the Sharks from 2006-09. “I know there’s been lots of ups and downs but I’m ready to work hard and get at it and get this thing back on the tracks. We’re going to start winning some games in the Shark Tank and get it going again. See you soon.”
Grier spent last season as hockey operations adviser for the New York Rangers, assisting them with hockey-related decisions and off-ice player and prospect development. He also helped with on-ice player development with Hartford, New York’s American Hockey League affiliate.
Prior to joining the Rangers, Grier was an assistant with the New Jersey Devils for two seasons (2018-20) and a professional scout for the Chicago Blackhawks from 2014-18.
As a player, Grier played 14 NHL seasons after being selected by the St. Louis Blues in the ninth round (No. 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 Sabres and Sharks and 28 points (14 goals, 14 assists) in 101 Stanley Cup Playoff games.
Grier’s older brother Chris is GM of the Miami Dolphins of the National Football League.
The Sharks are the only team without a coach after firing Bob Boughner on July 1. They have not qualified for the playoffs for three consecutive seasons after qualifying 14 of the previous 15 and were 32-27-13 this season, 20 points behind the Nashville Predators for the second wild card from the Western Conference.