Joe Will, 42, begins his second season as director of hockey operations. Will has been a member of the Sharks organization since its inception in July 1990, serving as scouting coordinator and assistant to the general manager before his promotion. Will works closely with Executive Vice President and General Manager Doug Wilson on all daily departmental functions and his primary responsibilities include contract research and negotiations, scouting operations, fiscal planning and hockey administration. The Bloomington, Minn. native also works with Director of Scouting Tim Burke in the development and implementation of draft prospect testing, draft table operations and computer scouting analysis. He's an integral part of draft-day strategy that has acquired players such as Scott Hannan and Jonathan Cheechoo. Without his coordinating efforts, the team would not have drafted 2001 Calder Memorial Trophy winner Evgeni Nabokov in 1994. In addition, he developed the Sharks computer scouting program that pioneered the advent of scouting programs used throughout the National Hockey League. Will also works with the organization's professional scouts and management team in player research for expansion, waivers, free agency and trades. His expert analysis of economic trends in the NHL has led to the acquisition and retention of key veteran players over the years. Before joining San Jose, Will spent six years in the Minnesota North Stars organization in various capacities.