NHL Announces Finalists for the Jim Gregory General Manager of the Year Award
The National Hockey League has officially named the finalists for the Jim Gregory General Manager of the Year Award, recognizing the three executives who most excelled in their roles during the regular season. The finalists are Chris MacFarland of the Colorado Avalanche, Bill Guerin of the Minnesota Wild, and Pat Verbeek of the Anaheim Ducks.
Presented annually since the 2009-10 season, the award is determined by a vote consisting of league general managers, a panel of NHL executives, and members of the print and broadcast media. The final selection is made after the conclusion of the first round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs.
Chris MacFarland: Leading the League from the Top
Chris MacFarland guided the Colorado Avalanche to a dominant regular season, securing the Presidents’ Trophy with a record of 55-16-11 for 121 points. Colorado’s consistency was unmatched, as the team led the NHL standings every single day from November 1 through the end of the season.
MacFarland’s success was bolstered by several strategic roster moves. He successfully re-signed center Brock Nelson during the off-season and made two significant additions at the trade deadline: bringing back Nazem Kadri in a deal with the Calgary Flames and acquiring center Nicolas Roy from the Toronto Maple Leafs. The 56-year-old New York native has positioned the Avalanche as a powerhouse, currently holding a 3-1 lead over the Minnesota Wild in their second-round series.
Bill Guerin: A High-Stakes Trade and Playoff Revival
Bill Guerin’s candidacy is defined by one of the most significant trades of the season. On December 12, Guerin acquired star defenseman Quinn Hughes from the Vancouver Canucks in exchange for defenseman Zeev Buium, forwards Marco Rossi and Liam Ohgren, and a first-round pick in the 2026 NHL Draft. The move paid immediate dividends, as Hughes recorded 54 points in 48 games following the trade.
Under Guerin’s leadership, the Wild finished third in the Central Division with a 46-24-12 record (104 points) and secured a playoff series victory for the first time since 2015. Guerin also solidified the team’s core by signing superstar Kirill Kaprizov to an eight-year extension. Kaprizov led the team this season with 45 goals and 89 points. Other notable acquisitions included forward Vladimir Tarasenko in the off-season, as well as Bobby Brink, Nick Foligno, and Jeff Petry prior to the 2026 trade deadline.
Beyond the Wild, Guerin served as the GM for the United States national team, which earned gold at the 2026 Winter Olympics. This marks the first time the 55-year-old executive has been named a finalist for the award.
Pat Verbeek: Ending the Drought in Anaheim
Pat Verbeek has overseen a significant turnaround for the Anaheim Ducks, leading the “upstart” franchise back to the post-season for the first time since 2018. The Ducks finished third in the Pacific Division with a 43-33-6 record and 92 points.
The team’s resurgence culminated in a first-round playoff upset of the Edmonton Oilers. Verbeek’s Ducks have continued their momentum into the second round, where they currently stand tied 2-2 in their series against the Vegas Golden Knights.
- Chris MacFarland (Colorado): Won the Presidents’ Trophy; led the league from Nov. 1 through the end of the season.
- Bill Guerin (Minnesota): Executed the blockbuster Quinn Hughes trade; ended a playoff series win drought dating back to 2015.
- Pat Verbeek (Anaheim): Returned the Ducks to the playoffs for the first time since 2018; upset the Oilers in Round 1.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Jim Gregory General Manager of the Year Award?
It is an annual NHL award given to the general manager who best excelled in their role during the regular season, as voted on by fellow GMs, NHL executives, and media.
Who are the finalists for 2026?
The finalists are Chris MacFarland (Avalanche), Bill Guerin (Wild), and Pat Verbeek (Ducks).
When is the winner announced?
The voting occurs after the first round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs, with the winner announced during the awards cycle.
As the Stanley Cup Playoffs progress, the performance of these three teams will likely remain a focal point for fans and analysts alike. Whether the award goes to the architect of the league’s best record, the man who engineered a franchise-altering trade, or the executive who revived a dormant contender remains to be seen.
For more updates on the NHL awards and playoff coverage, stay tuned to official league announcements.