Patrick Roy must find a new assistant general manager and head recruiter as Christian Vermette has accepted the position of scout in Quebec with the Edmonton Oilers.
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After serving as Head Scout for the Saint-Jean Sea Dogs, Vermette was hired by Philippe Boucher as Assistant General Manager for the 2014-2015 season. Two years later, he became head of recruitment, positions he held until last week.
The process began through a former colleague, Ross Yates, with whom Vermette had worked at Saint-Jean.
“Ross is now a scout in Detroit and Tyler Wright [le directeur du recrutement amateur des Oilers] asked him if he knew anyone who could fill a recruiter’s position in Quebec. Ross called me to see if I was interested and things just picked up speed. »
Vermette received confirmation of his position late last week.
“I didn’t put in any footwork, but somehow I wanted to have a chance at some point. Like players and coaches, we all want to rise, and I knew hockey was a world of contacts. […] Of course it was a dream I had. This summer I saw hiring in Quebec and I wondered if my chance would come. Finally I’m really happy. »
Proud of the work done
Vermette is therefore leaving the Remparts in a year when they hope to win top honors with a roster he initiated that consists of several draft picks.
He doesn’t hide that he feels a certain pride as he looks at the Red Devils’ 2022-2023 alignment.
“The group of players born in 2003 that we have assembled is a group of excellent players and extraordinary personalities. It was a very good consolation for us. When you draft a player like Nathan Gaucher and he gets picked in the first round of the NHL, you tell yourself you hit well. On the other hand, like any group of recruiters, I was the chief scout, but those decisions were made as a team. »
Effective immediately
Vermette revealed to the Remparts that he was stepping down from his post last week and Patrick Roy is currently looking for a replacement. The new member of the Oilers also had to announce his retirement from the Lotbinière golf club, of which he was general manager.
“I will be leaving this position at the end of December to ensure a transition,” he assured.