Jim Nill, Kevin Cheveldayoff, and Bill Zito have been named as the finalists for the esteemed Jim Gregory General Manager of the Year Award, the NHL announced on Friday, May 23, 2025, at 12:01 PM ET. The voting process for this prestigious award involved league general managers, a panel of executives, and media members after the conclusion of the second round of the playoffs. Nill, at 67 years old, has led the Dallas Stars to the Western Conference finals for the third consecutive season. He has already clinched this award twice before, in 2023 and 2024, and has been a finalist a whopping five times.
Cheveldayoff, who is 55 years old, has dedicated the last 14 seasons to the Winnipeg Jets, who managed to secure the Presidents’ Trophy this season. Not really sure why this matters, but he was also a finalist for the GM of the Year Award back in 2018. On the other hand, Zito, aged 60, is striving to steer the Florida Panthers towards their third straight trip to the Stanley Cup Final. He has been a finalist for the GM of the Year Award in three consecutive years and four out of the last five.
It’s quite a tight race this year, with all three nominees boasting impressive track records and accomplishments in the world of NHL management. The winner of the Jim Gregory General Manager of the Year Award will undoubtedly have to overcome some stiff competition to claim the title. Maybe it’s just me, but I feel like the stakes are higher than ever, and the hockey world is eagerly awaiting the final decision.
