You can add Detroit to the growing list of NHL teams employing a full-time analytics advisor.
On Friday, the Red Wings announced the hire of Bryan Campbell as their their Director of Statistical Analysis and Hockey Administration. More on the new hire, courtesy Winging It In Motown:
Joining the organization in the summer of 2015, Campbell will work closely with Executive Vice President and General Manager Ken Holland and Assistant General Manager Ryan Martin, focusing advanced statistical analysis and analytics in the areas of salary trends, contract valuations, free agent market acquisitions, trades and other areas, as well as comparative research for contract negotiations and salary arbitrations, collective bargaining agreement administration and compliance and coordinating player transactions. He will also scout games locally at the professional, collegiate and junior levels.
A 2006 graduate of Union College with a degree in mechanical engineering, Campbell played college hockey and skated in 100 games with the Dutchmen from 2002-06. He went on to earn a master’s degree in business administration at York University.
Before his time with the Red Wings, Campbell worked in finance in New York.
As mentioned above, the Red Wings are just the latest to jump aboard the “let’s get us a fancy stats guy” bandwagon that’s been prevalent over the last couple of years.
In the last few months alone, the Carolina Hurricanes hired Eric Tulsky, and Arizona hired John Chayka.