Avalanche hire Andrew Wilson as assistant general manager

A familiar face around the league is joining one of its teams in a hockey operations capacity.

On Friday, the Colorado Avalanche announced they have hired Andrew Wilson as the team’s new assistant general manager.

Wilson’s role with the Avalanche will be working closely with general manager Chris MacFarland on all hockey-related matters, including contract negotiations, collective bargaining administration and salary cap management.

To some, the name Andrew Wilson might ring a bell. The 41-year-old had worked with the NHL for the past 18 years in different capacities, including the last three as vice president of Central Registry. In that role, he was one of the primary contacts for all 32 teams, regarding compliance with CBA and salary cap management. Part of his duties included handling trade calls and contract affairs.

Wilson joined the league in 2006, shortly after the NHL work stoppage in 2004-05. He was also a key part in figuring out how players were going to be paid during the COVID-19 pandemic. Shortly after the league suspended play on March 12, 2020, he had to determine how to configure salary arbitrations, trade restrictions and player bonuses amid an abbreviated season. Wilson was also a key member of the team that had to work out a new CBA that would save the remainder of that season, and work through the next few.

With Wilson being a key part of the Avalanche’s cap management, he will have to work through the team’s cap crunch. According to CapWages, Colorado is $5,683,750 over the cap. That will change, as captain Gabriel Landeskog will begin the season on long-term injured reserve once the season begins once again. Landeskog has an AAV of $7 million through the 2028-29 season.