Wright named Red Wings’ new director of amateur scouting

By Nick Barnowski –

TRAVERSE CITY – The Detroit Red Wings and general manager Ken Holland announced today that Tyler Wright was named the team’s new director of amateur scouting.

Wright had formerly served in the same position with the Columbus Blue Jackets. He played in 613 NHL games with the Edmonton Oilers, Pittsburgh Penguins, Anaheim Ducks, and Blue Jackets.

He will replace Joe McDonnell, who joined former Red Wings assistant GM Jim Nill in Dallas.

“Just an opportunity to work with one of the best general managers in the game, it’ll be a good learning tool for myself but I think I can bring a lot to the organization,” Wright said.

He is currently in Traverse City with the team for their annual development camp.

Wright and new chief scout Jeff Finley will run Detroit’s draft.

“You have to do your due diligence and spend your time in a lot of not so glamorous,” Wright said, “but I think the payday is when these kids turn out to be good players.”

“At the end of the day, it’s about winning and it’s about winning the Stanley Cup and I’ve never had that opportunity.”