Report: Canucks make major changes to amateur scouting staff

Jul 8 2017, 4:15 am

As expected, the Vancouver Canucks have made major changes to their scouting staff.

TSN 1040’s Matt Sekeres, who first reported the Canucks would be making changes on draft day, was able to name names on Friday.

Six of Vancouver’s 15 amateur scouts (40%) will be moving out of amateur scouting, or out of the organization entirely.

Canucks Ring of Honour member Harold Snepsts, will not return. The 62-year-old former moustached defenceman will be retiring, while amateur scouts Lucien Dubois, Ken Cook, and Mike Odessa will not be returning.

Brian Chapman and David Volek have been reassigned, moving from amateur to pro scouting.

Outside of Snepsts, who fans know from his playing days, these are not household names. Scouting is often a thankless job, but it’s vitally important to a franchise.

The Canucks have famously drafted poorly, seemingly forever, so any changes will likely be greeted positively by fans.

John Weisbrod, the Canucks assistant general manager who was rumoured to be on the chopping block, it appears is safe.

The Canucks scouting department continues to be led by Judd Brackett, the club’s director of amateur scouting for the last two years. Ron Delorme and Thomas Gradin continue to have high-ranking positions, as chief amateur scout and associate amateur scout, respectively.

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