Canucks promote Stan Smyl to VP of hockey operations

The Vancouver Canucks have promoted Stan Smyl to vice president of hockey operations, a decision made by Jim Rutherford, who had recently taken over the interim GM title from Smyl. The Canucks legend had stepped into the position for a short period after Jim Benning’s dismissal, and he will now stay in a senior position with the team. Rutherford released the following statement:

"Stan has been a foundational piece of this team for decades, and we are pleased that he will be taking on this role. In addition, Henrik, Daniel, and Ryan are key parts of our leadership team. We still have some additional roles to fill, but confirming these positions today is a big step for us."

Rutherford obviously means Henrik Sedin and Daniel Sedin, who will remain special advisors to the general manager for the time being. Ryan Johnson, the GM of the Abbotsford Canucks who had also stepped into the vacant Vancouver front office for a short time, will remain senior director of player development and run the AHL team.

Smyl, meanwhile, will now work closely with Rutherford on all matters of hockey operations. Those matters will include player-personnel decisions and internal operations. The 63-year-old is about as recognizable a face as it gets with regard to the Canucks, having played his entire 900-plus-game NHL career with the franchise and then spending several decades in various positions with the organization.