Penguins News: Nick Pryor Leaves, Avalanche Hire 2 From Pens

Two weeks after the Pittsburgh Penguins organization added Toronto Maple Leafs guru Wes Clark as the vice president of player personnel, including leadership of the amateur scouting department, the Penguins lost director of amateur scouting Nick Pryor to the Colorado Avalanche.

Former general manager Ron Hextall hired Pryor, who worked under his father, Chris Pryor, the Penguins’ assistant general manager. Current Penguins president of hockey operations/GM Kyle Dubas elevated Nick Pryor to the director of amateur scouting soon after taking over the organization.

Colorado announced Pryor as its new director of amateur scouting on Thursday. Before spending the last four years with the Penguins, including leading their last two drafts, Pryor spent eight seasons as a scout with the Philadelphia Flyers. Pryor replaces Wade Klippenstein, who was not present at the 2024 NHL Draft because his contract was not renewed.

In the last two drafts led by Pryor, first-round pick Brayden Yager (14th overall) in 2023 and Tanner Howe (46th overall) in 2024 highlighted the selections. Team Canada invited both to the summer showcase later this month, which begins the selection process for the 2025 World Junior Championships.

In addition to Pryor, Colorado hired away Alexi Pianosi as their new strength and conditioning coach.