Management Notes: McNab, Hardy, Drury

One of the longest-tenured executives in the league has decided to retire, as David McNab will leave the Anaheim Ducks after 28 years. McNab served as the Ducks’ Senior VP of Hockey Operations and had been with the club since its inception in 1993. Between 1994 and 2008 he was the team’s assistant GM and was previously responsible for the team’s scouting and draft choices. McNab worked for the Washington Capitals, Hartford Whalers, and New York Rangers before joining Anaheim.

Some older fans may recognize the McNab name; David’s brother Peter McNab was a dynamic scorer for the Boston Bruins during a 954-game NHL career, while his father Max McNab won the Stanley Cup as a center for the Detroit Red Wings in 1950 and went on to serve as general manager of the Capitals and New Jersey Devils.

• As one executive leaves the NHL, another may be entering. Elliotte Friedman of Sportsnet reports that Ryan Hardy is expected to be hired by an NHL team soon, writing that a number of teams are “circling him” but noting the connection to Toronto Maple Leafs GM Kyle Dubas in particular. Hardy, 35, has served as general manager for the powerhouse Chicago Steel of the USHL and previously operated as the director of player personnel for the U.S. National Team Development Program. Hardy was also employed as an amateur scout by the Boston Bruins at one point.
• Of course, the New York Rangers also have a front office to restructure now that Chris Drury has been put in charge. Friedman writes that there is a “lot of interest in working for him” at this point, which shouldn’t come as much of a surprise. Drury has deep ties with USA Hockey and has been a GM-in-waiting for several years. Drury had been serving as associate GM of the Rangers and GM of the AHL’s Hartford Wolf Pack, likely both roles that will now need to be filled.