Breaking: Golden Knights name new GM for next season!

The first bit of news came this morning when it was revealed that Kelly McCrimmon had rejected the Edmonton Oilers’ offer to come work as their new general manager, wanting to stay put with the Vegas Golden Knights. 

That’s because he knew just moments later he would be promoted to general manager of the team. 

Golden Knights President of Hockey Operations and current GM George McPhee announced today that McCrimmon has been promoted to General Manager of the Vegas Golden Knights, effective September 1, 2019. 

In this new role, McCrimmon will represent the Golden Knights at the league’s General Managers Meetings and be the point of contact for other NHL GMs. McCrimmon will report to McPhee, who will continue to be responsible for all hockey operations decisions and oversee the club’s hockey operations team as the Golden Knights President of Hockey Operations.

“This is a very exciting announcement for our club and Vegas Golden Knights fans around the world,” said Vegas Golden Knights Chairman and CEO Bill Foley. “George and Kelly are a fantastic team. From the mock draft exercises and preparation leading up to the Expansion Draft, building out our coaching staff, and continually improving our team through the draft, trades, signings and free agency, the work they have done over the last three years has been remarkable. Together they have constructed a championship-caliber team in a very short time. This personnel move ensures that our hockey operations group stays intact and positions our organization for long term success.”

“Kelly has been a tremendous addition to our hockey operations group and the entire Vegas Golden Knights organization as a whole,” said Vegas Golden Knights President of Hockey Operations George McPhee. “His character, leadership, hockey acumen, and player evaluation at both the pro and amateur levels is exceptional. We are confident Kelly will thrive in this new role. We will continue to build a team and a franchise that our fans are proud to support.”

“Working with the Golden Knights has been an incredibly rewarding experience and I am very grateful for this new opportunity,” said Vegas Golden Knights General Manager Kelly McCrimmon. “I would like to thank Bill, George, and the entire Golden Knights organization for their support and commitment. We are proud of the foundation we have built and are excited for the future.”

McCrimmon has been working for the Knights since 2016 after working with the WHL's Brandon Wheat Kings dating back to 1988, serving as owner, general manager and head coach during his time with the team.