Kelly McCrimmon made significant efforts to secure another Stanley Cup for the Las Vegas Golden Knights this season. He acquired several key players, trading prospects and draft picks. Prominent players like Tomas Hertl and Noah Hanifin joined the team, with Hanifin also receiving a notable contract extension. This seemed like a recipe for recognition for McCrimmon, right?
Unfortunately, the season didn’t end as hoped. The Golden Knights were ousted in the first round by the Dallas Stars, losing in seven games and failing to establish team cohesion in time. This leaves the franchise with major questions to address this summer, including free agency, which may be disappointing for Vegas fans.
Additionally, McCrimmon did not win the Jim Gregory General Manager of the Year Award. The award went to Jim Nill of the Dallas Stars for the second consecutive year, who received 118 points and 17 first-place votes. Patrik Allvin of the Vancouver Canucks came in second with 66 points, followed by Bill Zito of the Florida Panthers with 64 points. So, where did Kelly McCrimmon rank in the voting?
Kelly McCrimmon finished with three points for his work with the Vegas Golden Knights
The Vegas Golden Knights’ general manager, Kelly McCrimmon, finished 12th overall in the voting, securing only three points. He was one of two front office personnel in the Top 12 to receive just one vote, with Daniel Briere of the Philadelphia Flyers being the other (Briere received one first-place vote).
#Canucks GM Patrik Allvin finished second in voting for general manager of the year. pic.twitter.com/e98UH7NyMp
— Rob Williams (@RobTheHockeyGuy) June 11, 2024
As it stands, George McPhee remains the only Golden Knights personnel to have won the Jim Gregory General Manager of the Year Award, achieving it in the 2017-18 season. The award, which began in the 2009-10 season, was first won by Don Maloney of the then-Phoenix Coyotes. Despite its relatively short history, Vegas has made a strong impression.
For Jim Nill, his second win ties him with Lou Lamoriello of the New York Islanders for the most awards in NHL history. The award, while not as established as the Conn Smythe or Hart Memorial Trophy, holds significance in its own right.
Kelly McCrimmon is aiming to join that elite group in the future. If he can successfully navigate the offseason and lead the Vegas Golden Knights back to the Stanley Cup Final, he might secure the Jim Gregory General Manager of the Year Award. However, achieving this will be challenging, with high risks and potential rewards.
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