Phoenix's Maloney named NHL GM of the year

The NHL says Don Maloney of the Phoenix Coyotes has been chosen as the league's top general manager this season.

Maloney became the award's first winner on Wednesday during a meeting of the NHL's general managers at the Stanley Cup finals.

Voting was conducted after the season among the league's 30 GMs and a panel of NHL executives, and print and broadcast media. Maloney edged out fellow finalists George McPhee of the Washington Capitals and David Poile of the Nashville Predators.

The Coyotes endured a difficult season in which the team's future in Arizona was unsettled. Phoenix, under new coach Dave Tippett - who was hired by Maloney - set franchise records with 50 wins and 107 points and made the playoffs for the first time since 2002.