George McPhee

George McPhee
George McPhee
Born	July 2, 1958 (age 68); Guelph, Ontario, Canada
Occupation(s)	Ice hockey player, executive
Known for	President of hockey operations for the Vegas Golden Knights; former GM of Washington Capitals

George McPhee (born July 2, 1958) is a Canadian former ice hockey player and current executive, holding the position of president of hockey operations for the Vegas Golden Knights in the National Hockey League (NHL). His previous roles include serving as general manager for the Washington Capitals and occupying executive positions with the New York Islanders. As a player, McPhee earned the prestigious Hobey Baker Award in 1982 as the top collegiate ice hockey athlete and went on to play professionally with the New York Rangers and New Jersey Devils.

Early life

McPhee was born in Guelph, Ontario, but spent much of his formative years in Glace Bay, Nova Scotia, the hometown of his family.

Playing career

During his collegiate years at Bowling Green State University, McPhee distinguished himself by winning the 1982 Hobey Baker Award. That same year, he was named to the First-Team All-Central Collegiate Hockey Association (CCHA), while earning Second-Team All-CCHA honors in both 1979 and 1981, and receiving the CCHA Rookie of the Year award in 1979. He also claimed the 1983–84 Adams Cup championship with the Tulsa Oilers of the Central Hockey League, coached by Tom Webster.

McPhee commenced his NHL journey during the 1983 playoffs with the New York Rangers, becoming one of the earliest players to net three playoff goals before participating in a regular season game. Over seven NHL seasons, he competed for both the Rangers and the New Jersey Devils.

Vancouver Canucks

McPhee launched his NHL management career in 1992 as vice president and director of hockey operations for the Vancouver Canucks, working alongside general manager Pat Quinn. During this period, the Canucks qualified for the playoffs four times, secured a division championship, and reached the 1994 Stanley Cup Finals, where they were defeated by the New York Rangers.

Washington Capitals

In 1997, McPhee joined the Washington Capitals with a goal to transform their regular-season achievements into postseason success. In his first year, he guided the team to its inaugural appearance in the 1998 Stanley Cup Finals, ultimately falling to the Detroit Red Wings. Throughout his leadership, Washington captured seven Southeast Division titles (2000, 2001, 2008–2011, 2013), recorded eight campaigns with over 40 wins, and set a franchise high with 121 points during the 2010 season.

On September 25, 1999, NHL commissioner Gary Bettman imposed a one-month suspension without pay and a $20,000 fine on McPhee following an incident involving Chicago Blackhawks coach Lorne Molleken.

The 2003–04 season saw McPhee collaborate with owner Ted Leonsis to initiate a rebuilding phase by trading established players such as Sergei Gonchar, Jaromír Jágr, and captain Steve Konowalchuk. This youth-focused approach was highlighted by selecting Alexander Ovechkin first overall in the 2004 NHL entry draft. Notably, Ovechkin resided with McPhee’s family during his rookie year.

After a sluggish start to the 2007–08 season, McPhee replaced head coach Glen Hanlon with AHL coach Bruce Boudreau, which sparked a revival culminating in a Southeast Division championship. Strategic trade deadline additions including veterans like Sergei Fedorov, Matt Cooke, and goaltender Cristobal Huet played integral roles.

In 2013, McPhee executed a trade sending first-round Swedish winger Filip Forsberg to the Nashville Predators in exchange for experienced players Martin Erat and Michael Latta.

McPhee’s tenure ended in 2014 when his contract was not renewed by the Capitals. He was succeeded by longtime associate and former teammate Brian MacLellan.

New York Islanders

On September 23, 2015, McPhee assumed the roles of alternate governor, vice president, and special advisor to general manager Garth Snow with the New York Islanders.

Vegas Golden Knights

McPhee departed from the Islanders on July 13, 2016, after being appointed general manager by owner Bill Foley of the NHL expansion team that would become the Vegas Golden Knights. Following the team's extraordinary debut season, he was shortlisted for the NHL General Manager of the Year Award and ultimately received this honor on June 20, 2018.

He stepped down as general manager on September 1, 2019, handing over the position to Kelly McCrimmon, while continuing as president of hockey operations. Under his leadership, the franchise secured its inaugural Stanley Cup title in 2023.

Personal life

While playing professionally throughout the 1980s, McPhee completed an internship on Wall Street in New York City. After retiring from playing, he obtained a law degree from Rutgers University and served as a clerk for a judge at the United States Court of International Trade before moving into hockey executive roles.

McPhee and his wife have three children. Their son Graham was selected 149th overall in the 2016 NHL entry draft by the Edmonton Oilers.

Career statistics

1984–85 NHL season | New York Rangers | NHL |49||12||15||27||139 |3||1||0||1||7 |- bgcolor="#f0f0f0" 1985–86 NHL season | New York Rangers | NHL |30||4||4||8||63 |11||0||0||0||32 |- 1986–87 NHL season | New York Rangers | NHL |21||4||4||8||34 |6||1||0||1||28 |- bgcolor="#f0f0f0" 1987–88 NHL season | New Jersey Devils | NHL |5||3||0||3||8 |—||—||—||—||— |- 1988–89 AHL season | Utica Devils | AHL |8||3||2||5||31 |3||1||0||1||26 |- bgcolor="#f0f0f0" 1988–89 NHL season | New Jersey Devils | NHL |1||0||1||1||2 |—||—||—||—||— |- bgcolor="#e0e0e0"

Regular season

Playoffs

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Team

League

GP

G

A

Pts

PIM

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G