David Poile Named First General Manager

Lore & Background

Poile is the son of former NHL player, coach and executive Bud Poile. He was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 2024 as a builder. He held the record for most career hat tricks at Northeastern University with 11. He began his NHL career as an administrative assistant with the Atlanta Flames in 1972, later becoming assistant general manager. He then served as vice president and general manager of the Washington Capitals for 15 years, where his signature transaction was acquiring Rod Langway. He took the position with the expansion Nashville Predators in 1997. He served as general manager of the 1998 and 1999 U.S. National Team for the IIHF World Championships and as general manager for the men's hockey team at the 2014 Olympics, though he could not attend due to a puck injury that left him unable to see out of his right eye. He won the Lester Patrick Trophy in 2001 and the NHL General Manager of the Year award in 2017. On March 1, 2018, he became the winningest general manager in NHL history with his 1,320th win. He announced his retirement as general manager on February 26, 2023, effective June 30, 2023, remaining as an advisor.

Reader's Guide

Poile's tenure with the Predators began in 1997 and ended in 2023, spanning 26 seasons. He amassed a 939-718-60-178 record with the Predators.

Did You Know?

• He was unable to attend the 2014 Olympics in Sochi due to a puck injury that cost him sight in his right eye.
• He won the NHL General Manager of the Year award in 2017 after the Predators reached the Stanley Cup Final.