After college, McPhee entered the professional ranks, signing with the New York Rangers. He played in the National Hockey League (NHL) from 1983 to 1987, primarily with the Rangers, and later had a brief stint with the New Jersey Devils. Known for his aggressive style of play, McPhee was a forward who brought energy and determination to his team. His playing career, however, was relatively short, and he soon transitioned into management roles within the sport.
McPhee's executive career began with the Vancouver Canucks, where he served as the vice president and director of hockey operations. His tenure with the Canucks laid the groundwork for his future in hockey management. In 1997, McPhee took on the role of general manager for the Washington Capitals, a position he held for 17 years. During his time with the Capitals, McPhee was instrumental in building a competitive team. Under his leadership, the Capitals reached the Stanley Cup Finals in 1998, although they were ultimately defeated by the Detroit Red Wings.
Throughout his time with the Capitals, McPhee was involved in several key decisions and transactions that shaped the team's roster. He was responsible for drafting and developing players who would become central to the team's success, including the selection of Alexander Ovechkin, who would go on to become one of the NHL's most prolific goal scorers. McPhee's tenure with the Capitals ended in 2014, but his career in hockey management was far from over.
In 2016, McPhee was appointed as the general manager of the NHL's newest expansion team, the Vegas Golden Knights. Tasked with building a team from scratch, McPhee faced the challenge of assembling a competitive roster through the expansion draft and other player acquisitions. The Golden Knights' inaugural season in 2017-2018 was nothing short of remarkable, as the team defied expectations by reaching the Stanley Cup Finals. Although they fell to the Washington Capitals, McPhee's former team, the Golden Knights' success was a testament to his ability to construct a strong and cohesive team.
McPhee's role with the Golden Knights evolved over time. In 2019, he transitioned to the position of president of hockey operations, allowing him to focus on broader organizational strategies while continuing to influence the team's direction. His leadership and strategic vision have been integral to the Golden Knights' ongoing competitiveness in the NHL.
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