(Salt Lake City) The Utah Hockey Club named Chris Armstrong as president of hockey operations Tuesday, a move that continues a recent trend of NHL teams hiring former player agents to within their sports management.
Armstrong spent nearly 14 years at Wasserman, most recently serving as the company’s executive vice president of talent innovation and strategic development. He will oversee operations of the team which was purchased by Smith Entertainment Group (SEG), owned by Ryan Smith, and which moved from Arizona to Salt Lake City.
Smith mentioned that Armstrong “has developed strong relationships with the best players, agents and executives in the hockey world throughout his career, and his unique experience and diverse skill set will be crucial as we establish the best hockey experience possible for our community, our fans, our players, our coaches and our administration. »
The two teams facing off in the Stanley Cup final series are led by former player agents: Bill Zito, president of hockey operations for the Florida Panthers, and Jeff Jackson, president and director of hockey operations for the Florida Panthers. Edmonton Oilers.
Montreal Canadiens general manager Kent Hughes is also a former player agent.
Armstrong helped found the Wasserman Agency in 2010 and brought it into the hockey world in 2018. He will oversee Bill Armstrong – no relation – who is responsible for the day-to-day operations of the agency. ‘team. Bill Armstrong will begin his fifth campaign as general manager of the franchise formerly called the Coyotes.