San Jose Sharks general manager Doug Wilson taking temporary leave for medical issue

SAN JOSE, Calif. – San Jose Sharks general manager Doug Wilson will take a temporary leave to deal with an undisclosed medical issue.

The Sharks said Friday that assistant general manager Joe Will will take over the team’s day-to-day operations during Wilson’s absence.

The San Jose Mercury-News reported that Wilson, 64, has dealt with a persistent cough since September, though his condition is not believed to be COVID-related.

The 64-year-old Wilson has been the general manager for the Sharks since 2003. He was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame for his 16-year playing career as a defenseman earlier this month.

Will is in his 11th season as the Sharks’ assistant general manager.

The Sharks have a decision to make next week as forward Evander Kane is eligible to return on Nov. 30 from a 21-game suspension for violating the league's COVID-19 protocols. Reports said that he used a fake COVID-19 vaccination card.