Douglas Frederick Wilson, born on July 5, 1957, is a Canadian former professional ice hockey defenceman. He later served as general manager of the San Jose Sharks of the National Hockey League, and is currently Senior Advisor of Hockey Operations with the Pittsburgh Penguins.
Early Career and Draft
After a junior hockey career for the Ottawa 67's in the Ontario Major Junior Hockey League, Wilson was drafted in the first round, sixth overall, in the 1977 NHL Entry Draft.
Chicago Blackhawks Stardom
He then played 14 seasons with the Chicago Black Hawks in the National Hockey League. Wilson played 14 seasons in Chicago and still ranks as the club's highest-scoring defenceman in points (779 - seventh overall), goals (225 - 12th overall) and assists (554 - fourth overall). Wilson is ninth all-time in games played (938) for Chicago.
He also led all Blackhawks defencemen in scoring for 10 consecutive seasons (1980-81 through 1990-91).
Chicago Blackhawks Logo
San Jose Sharks: Leadership and Legacy
Wilson agreed to waive his no-trade clause and was acquired by San Jose from Chicago just before the Sharks first season (1991-92) for prospect Kerry Toporowski and San Jose's 2nd round choice in the 1992 NHL draft. Wilson brought instant credibility and respect to the young franchise.
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Other career highlights include:
- Serving as the franchise's first team captain (1991-93)
- Being the team's first representative in an All-Star Game (1991-92)
- Playing in his NHL-milestone 1,000th game on November 21, 1992 (77th player in League history)
- Twice named Sharks nominee (1992 and 1993) for the King Clancy Memorial Trophy (for leadership and humanitarian contributions both on-and off-the-ice)
At his 1,000th NHL game-played ceremony, he announced the creation of the Doug Wilson Scholarship Foundation.
San Jose Sharks Logo
Retirement and Legacy
Wilson announced his retirement as a member of the Sharks during training camp in 1993-94 after playing in 1,024 career games. In addition, he played in 95 career playoff games and scored 80 points (19 goals, 61 assists).
In October 1998, the Ottawa 67s honored his career by retiring his No. 7 sweater. Known as an offensive defenceman, he recorded 295 points in 194 OHL games with the 67s from 1975 to 1977.
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Post-Playing Career
In 2004, Wilson was named to the Positive Coaching Alliance's National Advisory Board. PCA, established at Stanford University in 1998, tries to create a positive character-building experience by using sports to teach life lessons. Wilson was inducted into the Chicago Sports Hall of Fame in September 1999.
He spent a further year away from hockey before resuming his career in the NHL with the Pittsburgh Penguins on September 6, 2023 as Senior Advisor of Hockey Operations. He serves as a counselor and mentor to all levels of the Penguins hockey operations department.
Personal Life
Doug and his wife, Kathy, have four children: Lacey, Doug, Charlie and Chelsea. His daughter Chelsea played volleyball for the University of Southern California. His son Doug played hockey in Australia for the Melbourne Ice before joining the front office of the Sharks. Doug, Jr. currently is on the hockey staff of the Seattle Kraken.
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