Guerin named GM of 2022 U.S. Olympic team

Minnesota Wild general manager Bill Guerin was named GM of the 2022 U.S. men's Olympic hockey team, USA Hockey announced Tuesday.

New York Rangers general manager Chris Drury was tabbed as assistant GM.

Ex-Chicago Blackhawks executive Stan Bowman was originally chosen to be GM with Guerin serving as an assistant, but Bowman resigned in October amid the Blackhawks' sexual assault scandal.

Guerin said 55 NHL players are being considered for the team, according to ESPN's Greg Wyshynski. Guerin added that he's been in touch with Jack Eichel's agent about the center's availability and won't rule him out.

It remains unclear if NHL players will go to Beijing in February due to a rise in COVID-19 cases in the league and around the world. Commissioner Gary Bettman said last week that the decision will ultimately rest in the players' hands.

It's been reported that players could face quarantine periods of three-to-five weeks if they test positive while in China, which has increased the uncertainty surrounding NHL participation.

Guerin has served as Wild general manager since 2019. He won consecutive Stanley Cups as an assistant GM with the Pittsburgh Penguins in 2016 and 2017.