Canes scout headed west, moving up
Hurricanes scout Martin Madden is leaving to become the chief scout for the Anaheim Ducks, Hurricanes general manager Jim Rutherford said Tuesday.
Madden specialized in the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League for the Hurricanes but in nearly four years with the franchise -- his name is on the Stanley Cup -- also became a trusted voice for Hurricanes chief scout Tony MacDonald.
Under his influence, the Hurricanes drafted Nicolas Blanchard (sixth round, 2005), Stefan Chaput (fifth round, 2006) and Samuel Morneau (seventh round, 2008) after drafting one Francophone Quebec native in the previous seven years. Both Blanchard and Chaput have panned out well for late-round picks and will be playing for Albany (AHL) this fall.
The Canes are trying to replace Madden with someone with an similar background in Quebec, Rutherford said.
About the blogger
Luke has worked for The N&O since 2000. He covered the Carolina Hurricanes and the NHL before becoming a sports columnist in August 2008. A native of Evanston, Ill., he graduated from the University of Pennsylvania. He can be reached at 829-8947 or luke.decock@newsobserver.com.
Comments
Given the cap system and a
Wed, 07/23/2008 - 11:23 — Anonymous (not verified)Given the cap system and a team that operates with a self imposed cap, effectively using the draft is important. Too bad the Canes still struggle putting money into a full scouting staff in both North America and in Europe. Luckily for us, though, they haven't resorted to Buffalo's scouting via video.
Luke, have you ever had a discussion with Rutherford about why the such a small amateur scouting staff and such a limited presence in Europe? What's the team's reasoning behind their lack of investment in scouting?
This make sence for the
Tue, 07/22/2008 - 22:32 — Anonymous (not verified)This make sence for the Ducks given the sucesses of Canes QMJHL draftys in the four last years.