San Jose Sharks GM Doug Wilson stepping down after 19 seasons

SAN JOSE, Calif. — Sharks general manager Doug Wilson is stepping down after 19 seasons on the job.

The team announced Thursday that Joe Will remains interim general manager until a full-time replacement can be found. Will has been running the team's hockey operations since Wilson went on medical leave in late November.

«While I have made great progress over the last several months, I feel it is in the best interest of the organization and myself to step down from my current duties and focus on my health and full recovery,» Wilson said in a statement. «I look forward to continuing my career in the NHL in the future.»

Owner Hasso Plattner said there will be an extensive search for the next general manager. Plattner, Will and team president Jonathan Becher will oversee that search, which could extend into the offseason.

San Jose made the playoffs 14 times with Wilson in charge and reached the Stanley Cup Final in 2016. Only Pittsburgh and Boston won more regular-season games than the Sharks during Wilson's tenure.

«Doug and his staff produced remarkable results over a span that very few NHL teams can match,» Plattner said.

Wilson, 64, played for the Sharks in their inaugural season in 1991-92. The longtime NHL defenseman, who won the Norris Trophy in 1981-82, was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame last year.