The Avalanche have added NHL Central Registry Vice President Andrew Wilson to their front office as an assistant general manager, the team announced. The 41-year-old “will be working closely with general manager Chris MacFarland on all hockey-related matters.”
While Wilson may not be a household name in the public eye, he’s likely on speed dial for all 32 of the league’s GMs. That’s because his role with the Central Registry often made him the primary contact for inquiries regarding Collective Bargaining Agreement and salary cap compliance. He was also often on the other end of the line when GMs were holding trade calls or submitting contracts to the league.
Few people are more qualified to navigate the intricacies of league rules, and the Avs hope to gain a competitive advantage with the hire. Wilson joins a front office that already includes MacFarland, president of hockey operations Joe Sakic and assistant GM Kevin McDonald. McDonald’s primary area of focus will remain with the Avs’ AHL affiliate, the Colorado Eagles.
The Avalanche didn’t have a second AGM in 2023-24, so this move should take a considerable workload away from all of MacFarland, McDonald and Sakic. Colorado hasn’t had two AGMs since MacFarland and Craig Billington worked under Sakic in 2021-22.