Red Wings extend GM Ken Holland, assistant Jim Nill

The Detroit Red Wings announced Wednesday that the team has signed Executive Vice President and General Manager Ken Holland and Vice President and Assistant General Manager Jim Nill to five-year contract extensions. No financial terms were disclosed.
 
"Kenny and Jim have been the core of our front office for well over a decade and cornerstone to this franchise’s success," owner Mike Ilitch said in a statement. "Marian and I feel strongly that stability is key to success for any organization and having these new agreements in place with these two top-notch NHL executives is important to the Red Wings organization and its future. They are committed professionals and outstanding individuals, and we have great respect for their respective talents. We're pleased they will continue to lead our hockey club for the next five years."
 
Holland, 54, has served as Detroit’s GM for the past 13 seasons. Since taking the helm in July 1997, Holland’s teams have won more regular-season games (588) and postseason games (99) than any other NHL team. The Vernon, B.C,. native has contributed to four Stanley Cup championships in Detroit -- three as the team’s general manager (1998, 2002 and 2008) and one as assistant GM (1997). The Wings have qualified for the playoffs in all 13 seasons since Holland became GM, and own an NHL-record streak of 10 100-point seasons. The Red Wings have won four Presidents’ Trophies, five regular-season Western Conference titles and nine Central Division titles under his watch. Prior to his role in team management, Holland was a player and scout for the organization. He has been with the Red Wings in various capacities for the past 27 seasons.
 
Nill, 52, is entering his 13th season as assistant GM of the Red Wings.  In his current role, Nill’s duties include directing Detroit’s amateur scouting department and overseeing all selections made at the NHL Entry Draft. Prior to becoming Detroit’s assistant general manager in 1998, he served as director of player development for the Red Wings for four seasons. His efforts in both roles directly contributed to Detroit’s 1997, 1998, 2002 and 2008 Stanley Cup championships. Nill has played an integral part in selecting several late-round gems for the Red Wings, including current franchise cornerstones Pavel Datsyuk (sixth round, No. 171, in 1998) and Henrik Zetterberg (seventh round, No. 210, in 1999). Nill spent the final 2 ½ seasons of his nine-year NHL career in a Red Wings uniform.