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Jim Nill begins his ninth season as assistant general manager and his 13th overall as a member of the Red Wings' management team. Nill's duties include directing Detroit's amateur scouting and selections at the annual NHL Entry Draft. He had also served as the general manager of the Adirondack Red Wings.
Nill continues to oversee the development of the Red Wings' prospects that are currently assigned to Detroit's main affiliate, the Grand Rapids Griffins of the American Hockey League, as well as those in the Canadian junior and European leagues. Four seasons ago (2001-02) Nill supervised Red Wing prospects assigned to Cincinnati (AHL).
Nill, 48, joined the Red Wings front office in the summer of 1994 following three seasons with the Ottawa Senators. He began his stint with Ottawa as an amateur scout and was promoted to the team's pro scout after only two years.
Prior to Ottawa, Nill enjoyed a nine-year NHL career as a Right Winger with Boston, Vancouver, St. Louis, Winnipeg and Detroit. He spent his final 2 1/2 years in uniform with the Red Wings after being acquired from Winnipeg Jan. 10, 1988. His NHL career numbers totaled 58 goals, 87 assists and 854 PIM in 524 regular-season games. Nill later went to Adirondack as a player/coach, retiring as a player after the 1990-91 season.
A native of Hanna, AB, Nill played for Medicine Hat (WHL) in the junior ranks, one year at the University of Calgary and was a member of the Canadian National and Olympic teams in 1979-80. He was St. Louis' fourth pick (89th overall, fifth round) in the 1978 Entry Draft.
Nill was named general manager of Team Canada for the 2004 Men's World Championships where the team captured gold by beating Sweden 5-3 in the championship game.
Jim and wife Bekki reside in suburban Detroit with daughters Jenna and Kristin and son Trevor. | 