A recent hiring in the Montreal Canadiens organization has been the talk of the town. Kent Hughes and Jeff Gorton like to surround themselves with hockey men they know.
A new chief North American scout has been appointed within the Canadiens. Albie O'Connell returns to a role within the organizational chart after coaching in the NCAA.
You know that the Hughes-Gorton duo is well-connected in prospects and hockey in the Boston area. The Tricolore has often drafted or signed players from Boston University, Harvard, or Northeastern.
O'Connell has previously been head coach of these three NCAA programs. He has gained the trust of the Canadiens' management to scout North American prospects as chief scout.
It's a somewhat expected appointment but one that will impact future drafts. O'Connell has a strong reputation, and many observers see this as an excellent hiring for the role.
