Granato Becomes Canucks Senior Amateur Adviser After 5 Seasons as AGM

Cammi Granato is transitioning into a senior amateur adviser role with the Vancouver Canucks after serving as assistant general manager.

VANCOUVER, British Columbia — General manager Ryan Johnson announced Friday that Hockey Hall of Fame inductee Cammi Granato is transitioning into the role of senior amateur adviser for the Vancouver Canucks. This move follows her tenure as the club’s assistant general manager, a position she held for portions of five seasons. The front office adjustment comes as the organization restructures following a season where the team finished last in the NHL standings.

Granato, a native of suburban Chicago, joined the Canucks in February 2022. She was originally recruited by former president of hockey operations Jim Rutherford, who vacated his position in May. Before her arrival in Vancouver, Granato made league history by becoming the first female scout in the NHL while working for the Seattle Kraken. Her playing career is highlighted by captaining the United States women’s national team to a gold medal victory over Canada during the 1998 Nagano Olympics.

New Front Office Leadership Structure

The Canucks have implemented wholesale changes to their hockey operations department recently. Ryan Johnson now leads the group as general manager, working alongside franchise icons Henrik and Daniel Sedin. The twin brothers currently serve as co-presidents of hockey operations. This leadership group also oversaw the hiring of Manny Malhotra as the team’s new head coach in June.

Granato expressed that the timing was right for this transition following a period of personal reflection. She noted her extreme passion for the amateur side of the sport and her desire to continue contributing to the hockey operations department in this specific capacity. The Hall of Famer cited her confidence in the vision and direction established by the current front office leadership group as a primary reason for her enthusiasm regarding the new assignment.

Granato’s Impact on Amateur Scouting

In her capacity as senior amateur adviser, Granato will focus her efforts on the amateur side of the game. Her background as a pioneer in the scouting world provides a foundation for this specialized role. The Canucks are looking to rebuild their roster through the draft and amateur acquisitions after their recent last-place finish in the league.

Granato’s statement, released through the team, emphasized her thrill to remain part of the organization’s front office. Her move is part of a broader trend of administrative turnover within the Vancouver franchise. The departure of Jim Rutherford in May served as a catalyst for the promotion of Johnson and the Sedins into their respective executive roles.

Organizational Direction and Coaching Changes

The appointment of Manny Malhotra as coach in June 2026 represents the most recent on-ice leadership change for the Canucks. This coaching hire was made to complement the new executive structure that Granato is now a part of. The organization is moving forward with a management team that combines veteran scouting experience with former player perspectives.

Granato’s transition ensures that her expertise remains within the Canucks' system while allowing her to specialize in amateur talent evaluation. The team’s front office remains focused on the vision set forth by the Sedins and Johnson as they attempt to improve upon their previous standing at the bottom of the NHL. This shift in responsibilities for the Olympic gold medalist marks a new chapter in her five-season history with the Vancouver hockey operations department.