BREAKING: Wilson Taking Temporary Medical Leave from Sharks

General manager Doug Wilson is taking a medical leave from the San Jose Sharks.

“The San Jose Sharks announced today that General Manager Doug Wilson will be taking a temporary medical leave from his day-to-day activities,” the team said in a statement. “In the interim, Sharks Assistant General Manager Joe Will will be handling the team’s day-to-day operations.”

Wilson has dealt with a persistent cough since the Rookie Faceoff tournament in Arizona in mid-September. The hope is that this medical leave will resolve that issue and any other related medical issues. This medical issue is not believed to be COVID-related.

Wilson, 64, is currently recuperating at his Arizona home. At the moment, there’s no timeline for his return.

Wilson has been the San Jose Sharks’ general manager since 2003.

It’s been a tumultuous summer for the franchise. The Sharks are coming off their second straight season out of the playoffs and star winger Evander Kane has dealt with issue after issue.

The Kane situation is yet to be resolved, but the embattled winger is eligible to come off his 21-game suspension for violating the NHL’s COVID protocols on Nov. 30 in New Jersey.

There’s no indication, however, that Kane will be re-joining the San Jose Sharks by then. Head coach Bob Boughner stated today that he didn’t know of any plans for the winger to join their upcoming five-game road trip.

Boughner said he wasn't aware of any plans for Evander Kane to join the Sharks on the team's road trip. Sharks leave for Chicago tomorrow morning.

— Curtis Pashelka (@CurtisPashelka) November 26, 2021

It looks now like Will will be taking point on the Kane fiasco.

Will is in his 11th season as the San Jose Sharks’ assistant general manager. He’s been with the franchise in various capacities since its expansion season.