The Sharks have finally found their next general manager, as the team announced Mike Grier to the position on Tuesday. With the hiring, Grier is the first black NHL GM in the league’s history.
There is no better source to confirm the news than himself.
Please say hello and hear from our new #SJSharks General Manager, Mike Grier. 👋 pic.twitter.com/kIrBGAU14i
— San Jose Sharks (@SanJoseSharks) July 5, 2022
This will be the former NHL winger’s first time in the role. He has previous experience in hockey operations and scouting. He returns to San Jose after playing for the team for three years from 2006-09.
He will be taking over for Doug Wilson, who was the general manager of the Sharks for 19 seasons prior to his announcement in April that he would be stepping down for health reasons.
The Sharks are expected to make an official announcement and introduction on Tuesday afternoon.
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Here are four things you need to know about the Shark’s new general manager.
1. Grier played in over 1,000 NHL games
Grier enjoyed a very successful NHL career as a player. He broke into the league in 1996 with the Oilers and went on to play for 14 seasons, which included two stints with the Sabres, as well as time with the Sharks and Capitals.
In total, he amassed 1,060 NHL games played, becoming the 254th player in NHL history to reach the milestone at the time. He collected 383 points (162 goals, 221 assists) and 510 penalty minutes in those games.
2. Grier was an exceptional penalty killer
During his time in the league, Grier was known for his checking style of play and his uncanny ability to excel on the penalty kill.
When Grier joined San Jose in 2006, the team ranked 14th in penalty killing the first season, but Grier helped the team improve, as the Sharks ranked first and fourth, respectively, in penalty killing in his last two years. When Grier re-joined the Sabres in 2009-10, Buffalo finished second overall in the NHL in penalty killing with Grier on one of their top PK units.
3. He has worked in hockey operations for a handful of teams
After Grier retired in 2010, he shifted toward coaching and working in hockey operations. He worked as a scout for the Blackhawks, an assistant coach with the Devils, and most recently, held the position of hockey operations advisor with the Rangers.
4. Grier’s brother, Chris, is the general manager of the Miami Dolphins
Turns out the skills needed to be a general manager runs in the family. Grier’s older brother, Chris, is the GM of the Miami Dolphins in the NFL.
Statement from Chris Grier on his brother Mike being named General Manager of the @SanJoseSharks. pic.twitter.com/vv59hH7OFN
— Miami Dolphins (@MiamiDolphins) July 5, 2022
Chris has been with the organization since 2000, when he started off as a scout. He worked his way up to the director of college scouting before he was promoted in 2016 to the position of general manager.
