The New York Islanders have named George McPhee special advisor to general manager Garth Snow, the club announced via press release Wednesday.
McPhee previously spent 17 seasons as general manager of the Washington Capitals before the club opted to forgo renewing his contract at the end of the 2013-14 season. He recently served as a member of Team Canada’s gold medal winning group at the 2015 World Championship.
“George brings a tremendous amount of experience and insight to our front office,” Snow said in a press release. “His ability to evaluate players along with his managerial skills, are an asset that we’re thrilled to add to our Hockey Operations Department.”
Under McPhee’s leadership, the Capitals captured seven Southeast Division titles (1999-00, 2000-01, 2007-08, 2008-09, 2009-10, 2010-11 and 2012-13) and one Presidents’ Trophy (2009-10). McPhee also had a seven-year NHL playing career with the New York Rangers and New Jersey Devils, totalling 24 goals and 49 points in 115 games.
“I’m excited to join such a storied franchise,” McPhee said. “The Islanders have a great young team and I’m looking forward to contributing in any way I can to help them get to the next level.”
The 57-year-old helped the Capitals to their first and only Stanley Cup Final appearance in his first season as GM in 1998. The Capitals fell to the Detroit Red Wings in four games.
The Islanders are set to begin their inaugural season playing out of the Barclay’s Center in Brooklyn after spending 43 years in Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum in Nassau County.
