SAN JOSE — The Sharks now can say with certainty that at least one of the two Wilsons in their hierarchy will be back next season.

The Toronto Maple Leafs are searching for a general manager and called the Sharks this week asking for permission to talk with Doug Wilson about the job.

Not a chance.

"Doug's under contract. We're very, very happy to have him," Sharks president Greg Jamison said Thursday of his refusal to give Toronto the opportunity to lure Wilson away. "I believe he's the best general manager in the league, and he very much wants to be here."

Doug Wilson seconded that sentiment.

"I'm very proud to be part of this organization," the GM said.

Unlike other NHL teams, the Sharks do not disclose the length of contracts for their general manager and coach. Jamison only would say that Doug Wilson's is "multiyear" and "long-term"

However long Ron Wilson's contract may be, his future has been the subject of much media speculation since the Sharks were bounced from the Stanley Cup playoffs at the same point — Game 6 of the second round — as the previous two seasons.

The GM has said only that the standard "top-to-bottom" evaluation process for all parts of the hockey operation will take place as it always does, and that no decision will be made until the emotions generated by the loss to Dallas have subsided.

Advertisement