Paul Fenton's journey in the world of hockey is marked by his transition from player to executive. Born on December 22, 1959, in Springfield, Massachusetts, Fenton began his professional playing career as a left winger. He was drafted by the Hartford Whalers in the 1978 NHL Entry Draft, selected 183rd overall. Although his time with the Whalers was brief, it marked the beginning of his professional journey.
Fenton spent the majority of his playing career in the American Hockey League (AHL) and the National Hockey League (NHL). He played for several teams, including the Hartford Whalers, New York Rangers, Los Angeles Kings, Winnipeg Jets, Toronto Maple Leafs, Calgary Flames, and San Jose Sharks. Throughout his playing career, Fenton was known for his tenacity on the ice, contributing both offensively and defensively. His NHL career spanned over eight seasons, during which he played in 411 games and scored 100 goals, along with 83 assists.
After retiring as a player, Fenton transitioned into a scouting and management role. He joined the Anaheim Ducks as a scout, where he began to develop his skills in evaluating talent and building a team. His keen eye for talent did not go unnoticed, and he soon moved on to the Nashville Predators organization.
In Nashville, Fenton served as the assistant general manager for nearly two decades. During his tenure, he played a vital role in building the Predators into a competitive team. His responsibilities included overseeing the team's amateur scouting and player development, which helped the Predators draft and develop key players who contributed to the team's success.
Fenton's expertise in player evaluation and team building eventually led to his appointment as the general manager of the Minnesota Wild in May 2018. His time with the Wild, however, was short-lived. He was relieved of his duties in July 2019 after just over a year in the position. Despite the brevity of his tenure, Fenton's career in hockey management is remembered for his extensive experience and contributions to the teams he worked with.
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