The Jim Gregory General Manager of the Year Award is presented annually by the NHL to the executive who has demonstrated the greatest contribution to their club’s success. Unlike other league honors, the winner is determined by a vote from a panel of NHL general managers, team executives, and select members of the media at the conclusion of the second round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs.
Current Status of the Jim Gregory Award
As of the conclusion of the 2023-24 NHL season, the most recent recipient of the Jim Gregory General Manager of the Year Award is Jim Nill of the Dallas Stars. Nill received the honor in June 2024 for his efforts in building a roster that secured the top seed in the Western Conference during the 2023-24 regular season.
There is currently no winner for the 2025-26 season, as that campaign is still in its early stages. Reports suggesting Bill Guerin of the Minnesota Wild is the "most recent winner" for 2025-26 are factually incorrect. The NHL has not yet completed the voting process for the current season, and no such award has been issued for this period.
The Selection Process and Criteria
The award, named in honor of the late Hockey Hall of Famer Jim Gregory, focuses on the specific impact a general manager has on their team’s performance. According to the official NHL criteria, voters are asked to rank their top three candidates based on team performance, roster construction, and long-term strategic planning.
The balloting takes place in two phases:
- Initial Ballot: Held at the end of the second round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs.
- Point System: Points are awarded on a 5-3-1 basis, with the executive receiving the highest total point count being named the recipient.
Historical Context and Precedents
The award was first introduced in 2010. Since its inception, several managers have left their mark on the game through aggressive trades and cap management.
| Recipient | Team | Season |
|---|---|---|
| Jim Nill | Dallas Stars | 2023-24 |
| Don Sweeney | Boston Bruins | 2022-23 |
| Joe Sakic | Colorado Avalanche | 2021-22 |
| Lou Lamoriello | New York Islanders | 2020-21 |
These winners are often recognized for their ability to navigate the league’s hard salary cap while maintaining competitive depth. Jim Nill, for instance, was recognized for his successful integration of young talent like Wyatt Johnston and Logan Stankoven alongside veteran acquisitions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is eligible to win the Jim Gregory Award?
Any active general manager of an NHL franchise is eligible. The voting panel consists of all 32 NHL general managers, along with a group of league executives and print and broadcast media members.
How does the voting process prevent bias?
By including a diverse panel of media members and league executives alongside the general managers themselves, the NHL ensures that the award reflects both peer respect and external analysis of roster construction.
When is the winner announced?
The winner is typically announced during the NHL Awards ceremony, which occurs following the conclusion of the Stanley Cup Final.