Guerin, MacFarland, Verbeek up for Jim Gregory Award as top NHL general manager

NEW YORK — Bill Guerin of the Minnesota Wild, Chris MacFarland of the Colorado Avalanche and Pat Verbeek of the Anaheim Ducks are the finalists for the 2025-26 Jim Gregory General Manager of the Year Award, the NHL announced Tuesday.

Guerin acquired Quinn Hughes from Vancouver in a December trade, and the 2024 Norris Trophy-winner set franchise records for assists and points by a defenceman.

MacFarland guided the Avalanche to a franchise-record 121 points and the Presidents’ Trophy as the top regular-season team.

Verbeek led the Ducks to their first playoff appearance since 2017-18, with a franchise-record 265 goals scored.

All three finalists are first-time nominees for the award after helping their teams reach the second round of the playoffs.

Voting for the award was conducted among general managers, league executives and media following the first round of the post-season.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published May 12, 2026.

The Canadian Press