Isles drop assistant GM Jankowski
(L-R) Team owner Charles Wang, General Manger Garth Snow, John Tavares, Assistant General Manager/Director of Amateur Scouting Ryan Jankowski and Pro Scout Mario Saraceno of the New Islanders pose on stage after the Islanders drafted Tavares #1 overall during the 2009 NHL Entry Draft. (June 26, 2009) Credit: Getty Images
Assistant general manager and director of amateur Scouting Ryan Jankowski has been let go by the Islanders, according to multiple sources with knowledge of the situation.
Speculation about Jankowski’s status first arose when he was conspicuously absent from the first day of prospect camp at Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum yesterday as the team’s recent draftees took the ice for the first time as Islanders.
According to one source, Jankowski met with general manager Garth Snow on Tuesday, when he was blind-sided by the news that his contract would not be renewed.
Perhaps the most surprising kernel of information about this development is the team’s plans to fill the position. It won’t.
According to a source, Snow will take on more responsibility, despite the fact that they had a thin scouting staff before Jankowski’s departure.
A source with knowledge of the situation said the firing was not a cost-cutting move. Jankowski has directed four Islanders’ drafts that have featured the selection of such players as Kyle Okposo, Josh Bailey, John Tavares, Calvin de Haan and Travis Hamonic.
Less than two weeks ago Jankowski headed the staff at the 2010 NHL draft in Los Angeles where the Islanders selected Swiss winger Nino Niederreiter with the 5th overall pick. The Islanders also drafted forwards Brock Nelson and Jason Clark, defenseman Tony DeHart and goaltender Cody Rosen.
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