Canucks Announce Organizational Shift
The Vancouver Canucks have announced a significant change in their hockey operations department, with Cammi Granato transitioning from her role as Assistant General Manager to a new position as Senior Amateur Advisor. This move was confirmed by Canucks General Manager Ryan Johnson. Granato’s shift is part of broader changes within the team’s scouting and development structure.
Ryan Johnson expressed enthusiasm for Granato’s new role, highlighting her understanding of the organization’s internal workings and her existing connections with the amateur staff. He noted that her expertise would be valuable in continuing the team’s efforts in the amateur scouting area.
Granato also shared her perspective on the transition, stating that after a period of reflection, she felt this was an opportune moment for a new role with the Canucks. She indicated that her discussions with Ryan Johnson and her family were thoughtful and meaningful regarding her position within the organization. Granato emphasized her passion for contributing to the amateur side of hockey operations and her excitement to continue working with the department. She also conveyed confidence in the leadership group of the front office and their vision for the team’s direction.
Impact on Scouting Departments
Granato’s move into an advisory capacity underscores ongoing changes within the Canucks‘ hockey operations, particularly affecting the pro scouting department. Her previous responsibilities as an Assistant General Manager included overseeing both amateur and pro scouting departments, as well as the player development team. This shift highlights a potential need for additional personnel in the pro scouting area.
Prior to her new advisory role, Granato was one of three Assistant General Managers. Another Assistant General Manager, Emilie Castonguay, continues to manage contracts and salary caps. Ryan Johnson himself was an Assistant General Manager before his promotion to General Manager.
The Canucks have also seen other personnel changes. Richard Seeley has taken on the role of Assistant General Manager for the Abbotsford operation, succeeding Ryan Johnson. While Daren Hermiston has been hired as a director to oversee the development staff, which includes Mikael Samuelsson, Mike Komisarek, and Alex Edler, it appears there will not be a direct replacement for Granato’s previous oversight of scouting and development. This may lead to increased responsibilities for Toddy Harvey and Brett Henning in amateur and pro scouting, respectively.
The amateur scouting department, led by Toddy Harvey, is described as robust and in good form, especially following a recent draft class that received positive feedback. However, Brett Henning‘s pro scouting department is facing personnel challenges. The departure of experienced individuals has left the department with fewer staff members.
The pro scouting department has seen several departures. Dale Tallon, a former senior adviser and pro scout, did not have his contract renewed. Following the draft, Neil Komadoski, who had been with the Canucks since 2010, moved to the Buffalo Sabres to become an assistant director of pro scouting. Additionally, Jack Johnson, who joined the Canucks midseason, was hired by the Ohio State women’s hockey program as an assistant coach. These changes mean that Brett Henning‘s department currently consists of only two scouts, Lou Crawford and Brian Chapman, in addition to himself, both of whom have extensive experience.
The summer has been active for the Canucks with various organizational changes. The team is now in a position where finding additional scouts is a priority, particularly as the organization looks towards a significant season of development. The goal is to ensure adequate personnel are in place to identify players and support the team’s ongoing rebuild efforts.
The transition of Cammi Granato to Senior Amateur Advisor was announced by Vancouver Canucks General Manager Ryan Johnson.
Source: nhl.com
