Poile's career in hockey began in the early 1970s, when he played for the University of Pennsylvania's hockey team. He then went on to play professionally for a few years, but ultimately decided to focus on management. In 1982, he was hired as the general manager of the Washington Capitals, a position he held for 15 years.
During his time with the Capitals, Poile built a team that was consistently competitive, but struggled to make it deep into the playoffs. However, he did make some notable moves, such as trading for superstar defenseman Rod Langway, that helped establish the team as a legitimate contender.
In 1997, Poile left the Capitals to become the first general manager of the expansion Nashville Predators. He has been with the team ever since, and has overseen its growth from a brand new franchise to a perennial playoff contender.
Under Poile's leadership, the Predators have made the playoffs in 13 of their 22 seasons, including a trip to the Stanley Cup Final in 2017. He has also made some shrewd moves, such as trading for defenseman P.K. Subban and signing free agent center Matt Duchene, that have helped keep the team competitive.
Poile's success with the Predators has earned him numerous accolades, including being named the NHL's General Manager of the Year in 2017. He is also a member of the United States Hockey Hall of Fame and the IIHF Hall of Fame.
Overall, David Poile's career in hockey has been marked by a dedication to building successful teams and a willingness to make bold moves when necessary. His legacy as one of the greatest general managers in NHL history is secure, and he will undoubtedly continue to have an impact on the sport for years to come.
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