Quinn Hughes was traded to the Minnesota Wild in December. The deal was a defining move for the Wild.
What happened?
The trade was made by Wild general manager Bill Guerin, who was named the NHL's general manager of the year on Friday.
Why it matters for Quinn Hughes
Guerin's bold year began in late September, when he signed Kirill Kaprizov to a lucrative contract, then Filip Gustavsson to a five-year extension.
The Wild made the playoffs for the sixth time in Guerin's seven years, hitting the 100-point mark for the third time in that span.
What comes next?
Guerin's long game for the Wild is to become a Stanley Cup champion, and the acquisition of Quinn Hughes is a key part of that plan.
The Wild advanced past the first round for the first time in 11 years before injuries derailed them in the second round against the Colorado Avalanche.
Guerin was also the USA Hockey general manager who stuck to his gut and left stars such as Jason Robertson, Cole Caufield, and Adam Fox off the U.S. Olympic team.
The United States beat Canada in the final for its first men's hockey Olympic gold medal since 1980, vindicating Guerin's decisions.
Guerin's fellow 31 GMs, plus a panel of 10 other NHL executives and broadcast and print media, agreed that his performance was a job well done.
The award was affirmation of Guerin's bold moves, including the trade for Quinn Hughes, which was made possible by the team's regained financial flexibility.
Guerin's wife, kids, and mother surprised him with the Jim Gregory Award at a Wayzata restaurant during the Wild's pre-draft dinner.
Assistant general manager Chris Kelleher helped arrange the surprise, which was announced after the 16th pick of the NHL Draft.
Kelleher said that Guerin's decisions were made with the goal of winning a Stanley Cup, and that the team's success was a result of his leadership.
The Wild's success this year was a testament to Guerin's vision and leadership, and the acquisition of Quinn Hughes was a key part of that vision.