SAN JOSE – It was, quite possibly, a make-or-break year for general manager Doug Wilson, who took the brunt of the criticism from the fan base for a number of different reasons after the Sharks 10-year playoff run ended last season. Another playoff-free spring amid mounting attendance problems might have spelled the end.
Instead, Wilson had perhaps his best 12 months of his front office career, overseeing the organization’s resurgence and first-ever trip to the Stanley Cup Final. Nearly every move he made worked out.
Consider: Martin Jones looks like the next franchise goalie. Paul Martin and Joel Ward provided depth and experience on the blue line and at forward, respectively.