The Vancouver Canucks have expanded their front office, with president Trevor Linden announcing new roles within their hockey operations department on Wednesday.
Ryan Johnson has been named general manager of the Utica Comets, in addition to his previous role as director of player development. The Comets had been led by Pat Conacher, the team’s director of hockey operations, who will remain in that role.
Brett Henning has been promoted to director of professional scouting for the Canucks after seven seasons with the team’s scouting staff, while Brian Chapman and David Volek were named professional scouts. Vancouver also added Todd Harvey, Paul Gallagher, Doug Gasper and Vincent Montalbano as amateur scouts to replace the outgoing Lucien DeBlois, Ken Cook and Mike Addessa.
Gary Agnew will join Utica as an associate coach, joining head coach Trent Cull’s staff. Agnew was an assistant coach with the Pittsburgh Penguins in 2015-16 and was the head coach of the Syracuse Crunch for six years.
“We’re pleased to confirm expanded roles for Ryan Johnson and Brett Henning today and welcome Gary Agnew to the Comets coaching staff,” said Linden in a team release. “Ryan’s leadership and guidance with our prospects has benefitted their development. This added responsibility allows him to further monitor and support the development path of our next core from the junior to professional level.”
Johnson joined the Canucks front office as a player development consultant in 2013. He spent 210 games with Vancouver as a player as part of a 701-game NHL career.
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