Penguins hire ex-Sharks GM Doug Wilson as senior advisor of hockey ops

The Pittsburgh Penguins hired former San Jose Sharks general manager Doug Wilson as senior advisor of hockey operations, the team announced Wednesday.

"Doug will serve as a source of both experience and wisdom to our entire hockey operations department," president of hockey operations and general manager Kyle Dubas said in a statement. "His ability to maintain high standards of performance and professionalism over two decades with the Sharks is the type of consistency we all aspire to in these positions.

"Doug will provide me and our entire program with a great resource and tremendous benefit as we get rolling."

In his new position, Wilson will provide counsel to all levels of the Penguins' hockey operations branch and will join the team at various points during the season.

Wilson served as the Sharks' general manager for 19 seasons dating back to 2003, but he stepped down in April 2022 to focus on his health after spending the bulk of the 2021-22 season on medical leave.

Under his direction, the Sharks earned 14 playoff berths, five division titles, and one Stanley Cup Final appearance. Only Boston and Pittsburgh won more regular-season games than the Sharks during Wilson's time at the helm, and only the Bruins, Penguins, and Tampa Bay Lightning won more postseason contests.

Wilson, 66, was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame for his 16-year playing career in 2020.