David Poile Named Finalist for NHL GM of the Year Award

David Poile is a finalist for the NHL General Manager of the Year Award, the League announced Tuesday evening.
The news comes fittingly an hour before the Predators will host their first Western Conference Final game in franchise history. Poile, the only GM in team history, has guided the expansion franchise to within three wins of the Stanley Cup Final in his 19th year with the club.
Under Poile's leadership, the Predators have made the playoffs in 10 of the last 13 seasons and reached this conference final this year after defeating the Chicago Blackhawks and St. Louis Blues in Rounds One and Two.

The 2016-17 season is an applicable example of Poile's mastery of drafting, developing and trading, as Viktor Arvidsson (drafted 112th overall in 2014), Ryan Johansen (acquired via trade with Columbus in 2016) and Filip Forsberg (acquired via trade with Washington in 2013 and developed in Nashville) were the team's Top Three scorers.
During the offseason, Poile made headlines by trading former captain Shea Weber for Norris Trophy-winning defenseman P.K. Subban. But the GM also quietly navigated the signing of several players who have been key in the Preds postseason run, including, Matt Irwin, Yannick Weber and Harry Zolnierczyk. Poile also traded for veterans Vernon Fiddler, Cody McLeod and PA Parenteau prior to this season's trade deadline.
Poile is one of three finalists for the award, joining Peter Chiarelli (Edmonton Oilers) and Pierre Dorion (Ottawa Senators). The finalists were voted on by fellow NHL general managers and a panel of League executives, print and broadcast media.
The winner will be announced on Wednesday, June 21, during the 2017 NHL Awards at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.