Then-Washington Capitals general manager George McPhee talks with reporters at the Kettler Iceplex in Arlington, Va., Wednesday, May 15, 2013.Susan Walsh/The Associated Press
A person with direct knowledge of the decision says George McPhee has been hired as general manager of the NHL's expansion Las Vegas franchise.
The person spoke on condition of anonymity because owner Bill Foley's announcement was set for Wednesday afternoon.
McPhee will be in charge of building the team from scratch to begin play in the 2017-18 NHL season.
McPhee most recently served as special advisor to New York Islanders GM Garth Snow. Before that he spent 16 seasons as GM of the Washington Capitals.
As the Capitals' GM, McPhee oversaw a complete rebuild that led to the team making six consecutive playoff appearances before he was fired in 2014.
McPhee has a strong history of drafting and developing players, and his extensive NHL experience earned him the position over younger candidates.