Confirmed with Link: Conte Out as Director of Scouting

[Unknown Caller]

Shero/Devils PR issued a press release.

Click to read more...

 

[Burner Account]

http://devils.nhl.com/club/news.htm?id=774427

“David and I have had numerous discussions regarding his future. Based on our conversations, I believe it is in the best interests of our organization for David to pursue other opportunities and to not renew his contract,” said Shero. “I would personally like to thank David Conte for his 31 years of service to the New Jersey Devils organization. His contributions to the success of the hockey operations department have been immense. The search for his successor will begin immediately.”

 

[SeidoN]

gif party?

 

[OmNomNom]

its kind of sad. no more comments about him and his antics

new jersey penguins anyone?

 

[ForeverJerseyGirl]

Thanks to Conte for his years of work for the Devils. I hope his last draft turns out to be a great one and a strong legacy for him.

 

[Comparison Ford]

I hope we will have a new one by the prospects game. Any thought on a replacement?

 

[devlzfan]

Now I know Lou is officially out and Shero is not a puppet. Lou was way too loyal to Conte. Thanks for your service David.

 

[Bologna 1]

shero dropping bombs

 

[Better Call Sal]

We all know Devils Dominion will be dancing for joy.

Not surprising, didn't expect him to last after the draft. Still, he and Lou have provided us a lot to be happy about over the years. People can say what they want, but it's sad that this is how everything had to end for Lou and co. I wished for a better ending as I'm sure we all did.

All the best to David in any future endeavors.

 

[NJDevs26]

I hope we will have a new one by the prospects game. Any thought on a replacement?

Hopefully not one of the guys that was part of Shero's horrible drafting in Pittsburgh...but odds are it will be, which I hate. Especially after what could well be our best draft in the last decade.

 

[Davegarri]

It's crazy he was working here for 31 years. The man deserves to retire! Congrats to him on a great career though, 3 cups and 5 finals appearances as Director of Scouting is pretty good.

But this was overdue.....

 

[Drewr15]

Who do you think are possible replacements? Probably someone second in line to a director of scouting in another org I would think.

 

[HBK27]

This really sucks...I know the Devils draft record hasn't been great recently, but I think they owe a lot of their success to Conte and his drafting. Personally, I was hoping he would stay on...

 

[Smitty426]

its kind of sad. no more comments about him and his antics

new jersey penguins anyone?

Do we get a draft pick coming our way?

 

[Tundra]

Now I know Lou is officially out and Shero is not a puppet. Lou was way too loyal to Conte. Thanks for your service David.

Lou has a ceremonial position at this point. It was pretty obvious from the get go. Don't get me wrong. Lou's input still carries weight, but it's a far cry from his former powers.

 

[Brodeur]

Hopefully not one of the guys that was part of Shero's horrible drafting in Pittsburgh...but odds are it will be, which I hate. Especially after what could well be out best draft on the last decade.

I wouldn't necessarily say it has to be. Offhand, this reminds me of Dean Lombardi taking over the Kings just before the 2006 Draft. He did that draft with incumbent head scout Al Murray then let Murray and other scouts go a few months later. Lombardi brought in Mike Futa who at the time was the GM of the OHL's Owen Sound. Futa is still currently with the Kings.

Steve Yzerman was hired just before the 2010 Draft and changed the scouting staff soon after. He coincidentally hired Al Murray who had spent time with Team Canada's junior program after he was let go by the Kings.

Lombardi had ties with San Jose/Philadelphia before going to the Kings, but Futa was an unrelated hire. Similarly, Yzerman apprenticed with Detroit but probably couldn't bring over too many of their scouts.

 

[Davegarri]

Hopefully not one of the guys that was part of Shero's horrible drafting in Pittsburgh...but odds are it will be, which I hate. Especially after what could well be our best draft in the last decade.

I wouldn't be surprised if he brings someone in from the USNTDP

 

[ForeverJerseyGirl]

Hopefully not one of the guys that was part of Shero's horrible drafting in Pittsburgh...but odds are it will be, which I hate. Especially after what could well be our best draft in the last decade.

I'm with you on this, especially about the part about hoping that the new head of scouting won't be affiliated with Shero's drafting in Pittsburg. Don't want to see another Penguins hire in this position, please and thank you, Shero.

 

[njdevil26]

Damnnnnnn. I mean everything that we have complained about in the past two or three years is essentially being taken care of. It's still crazy to see these legends move on... Conte, Lou, Brodeur, Stevens....

 

[ForeverJerseyGirl]

I wouldn't be surprised if he brings someone in from the USNTDP

I'd like that much better than him bringing in someone from the Penguins. I hope he does something like you suggested.

 

[Tundra]

Damnnnnnn. I mean everything that we have complained about in the past two or three years is essentially being taken care of. It's still crazy to see these legends move on... Conte, Lou, Brodeur, Stevens....

It's like someone of significant clout reads these boards. Crazy assumption. I know

 

[Burner Account]

I'd like that much better than him bringing in someone from the Penguins. I hope he does something like you suggested.

Even if it's someone with less experience as an NHL scout?

 

[GentlemanOfLeisure]

Honestly he was a hall of fame scouting director until Adrian Foster. Once he reached for him 2001 things werent the same. From 1988-2000, the best in the business. From 2001-2014. Below average.

 

[Brooklyndevil]

31 years that's pretty amazing. When Lou became more or less a figure head I wondered when Conte would get his walking papers. Let's hope his last draft was a good one. Many years ago I thought he would succeed Lou as GM. Good luck David.

 

[DirtyJerzey]

someone from the pens coming over ? lol