The San Jose Sharks announced this week that Jeff Kealty will join the franchise as their new Assistant General Manager.
Kealty arrives after a distinguished tenure with the Nashville Predators, where he helped shape a roster that reached the Stanley Cup Final for the first time in franchise history in 2017.
During his time in Nashville he oversaw player acquisition that brought stars such as Filip Forsberg, Juuse Saros, Colton Sissons and Matthew Wood into the organization, and he was credited with six playoff appearances in nine seasons, including back‑to‑back Central Division titles and a Presidents’ Trophy.
His expertise also extended to international competition, serving as General Manager for Team USA at the 2025 IIHF Men’s World Championship, a role that culminated in the nation’s first gold medal in 92 years.
Kealty’s hockey roots trace back to his collegiate years at Boston University, where he helped the team capture the 1995 NCAA National Championship and later represented the United States at the 1996 World Junior Championship.
Scouting Direction
In his new capacity, Kealty will supervise the Sharks’ professional scouting staff, a mandate that aligns with General Manager Mike Grier’s vision for a more data‑driven and talent‑focused roster construction.
The two executives share a longstanding relationship that dates back to their college days at Boston University, a connection that both hope will translate into seamless collaboration at the NHL level.
Fans can expect a renewed emphasis on identifying undervalued talent and building a pipeline that supports the team’s competitive aspirations, with Kealty’s extensive scouting network poised to play a pivotal role.