Minnesota Wild’s Bill Guerin wins GM of the Year

Guerin’s main reason for winning the award was trading for superstar defenseman Quinn Hughes. Hughes helped the Wild reach the playoffs for the sixth time in the last seven years. The team also hit three 100-point seasons during that span.

In addition to adding Hughes, Guerin also made several key extensions during the 2025-26 season. He signed star forward Kirill Kaprizov to a eight-year $136 million contract in September, making him the highest paid player in NHL history. He then signed goalie Filip Gustavsson to a five-year $34 million contract a few days later.

The Wild were also able to make it past the first round of the playoffs for the first time in 11 years. They defeated the Dallas Stars in six games, before falling to the Colorado Avalanche in five games.

Guerin also served as the USA hockey general manager, helping USA beat Canada to clinch its first Olympic gold medal since 1980.