Former General Manager confesses he made a major mistake with Joe Pavelski

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Josh Tupper
August 4, 2024 (11:45)

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Former Sharks GM Doug Wilson Regrets Letting Joe Pavelski Go

In a candid admission, former San Jose Sharks General Manager Doug Wilson has expressed regret over the decision to let Joe Pavelski leave the organization in 2019. Pavelski, who served as the Sharks' captain, departed the team as an unrestricted free agent and signed with the Dallas Stars, where he continued to have a remarkable career.

During the summer of 2019, the Sharks faced a tough decision regarding their captain, Joe Pavelski. Ultimately, the team chose not to re-sign him, allowing him to explore free agency. Pavelski then signed with the Dallas Stars, where he played the final five seasons of his NHL career. During his time with the Stars, Pavelski made significant contributions, helping the team reach the Stanley Cup Final in 2020 and securing back-to-back Western Conference Final appearances in 2023 and 2024.

In a recent interview, Doug Wilson acknowledged that the decision to let Pavelski go was a mistake. He admitted that he should have made efforts to retain the talented forward, recognizing Pavelski's immense value to the team.

"We should have found a way to get it done," Wilson said. "It was a mistake."

He added, "Sometimes, you can overanalyze things. But I as a GM, with my love for Pavs and realizing how special he was, I look back, I probably should have dismissed historical analysis of contracts for players that age and said screw it."

Wilson's comments reflect a broader recognition of Pavelski's unique qualities and contributions both on and off the ice. Since Pavelski's departure, the San Jose Sharks have undergone significant changes. The team has failed to qualify for the Stanley Cup Playoffs, finishing last in their division twice, including during the 2023-24 season, which earned them their first-ever first overall draft pick.

The Sharks are now focused on rebuilding their roster, looking to their top prospects, Macklin Celebrini and Will Smith, to lead the team's resurgence. As the organization aims to turn the page on its rebuilding phase, the regret over letting Pavelski leave lingers, highlighting the challenges of maintaining a competitive team while balancing financial considerations.

Last month, Joe Pavelski announced his retirement from professional hockey after 18 seasons in the NHL. During his illustrious career, Pavelski amassed 1,068 points (476 goals, 592 assists) in 1,332 games, along with 143 points in 201 Stanley Cup Playoff games. His contributions to the game have solidified his legacy as one of the league's most reliable and productive forwards.

Pavelski's decision to retire marks the end of an era, but it also raises questions about how long it will take for him to receive a call from the Hockey Hall of Fame. His consistent performance, leadership, and playoff success make him a strong candidate for future induction.

Had the San Jose Sharks retained Joe Pavelski in 2019, it's plausible that the team could have sustained its core and made additional attempts at deep playoff runs. Instead, the Sharks are now embarking on a new era, determined to rebuild and achieve playoff success once again. With a focus on developing their young talent, the Sharks aim to reestablish themselves as a competitive force in the NHL in the coming years.