Vancouver, B.C. – Vancouver Canucks General Manager Michael D. Gillis announced today that Stan Smyl has been named the team’s new Director, Player Development and will now serve as Senior Advisor to the General Manager and Director, Player Development.

“Stan has been a cornerstone of our franchise as a player, coach and member of our management team for over 30 years. We are thrilled to expand his role to have him work closely with our prospects,” said Gillis. “Stan embodies hard work and has shown an unwavering commitment to excellence. We look forward to having him instill these qualities in our prospects as they develop on and off the ice.”

Smyl has spent his entire professional hockey career with the Canucks organization, first as a player then as a coach before becoming a member of the senior management team.

Smyl was named Director, Collegiate Scouting on June 19, 2008, before also becoming the Senior Advisor to the General Manager on September 11, 2008. Smyl will continue serving in the capacity of Senior Advisor to the General Manager. In that role, he works closely with Gillis on a number of initiatives in the Hockey Operations Department, as well as encompassing scouting responsibilities and evaluating the collegiate game in North America.

In his new role with the Canucks, Smyl will be responsible for working with the club’s drafted and young players to assist them with their continued growth as professionals.

During his NHL playing career with the Canucks, Smyl established team records for games played (896), goals (262), assists (411) and points (673). The three-time Canucks MVP served as team captain from 1982-1990 and received the highest honor awarded by a club when his number 12 was raised to the rafters November 3, 1991.