There are two new faces in the Avalanche organization as of today, and the two of them probably know each already.
On Wednesday, the Avalanche confirmed that Nick Pryor is their new Director of Amateur Scouting. The 33 year old comes over from the Pittsburgh Penguins organization, where he held the same position for the past three seasons. That organization recently hired Wes Clark from the Maple Leafs, which may have something to do with why Pryor is leaving and headed to Colorado.
Before taking on that role with the Penguins, Pryor was an amateur scout for the Philadelphia Flyers for eight seasons. He started in the scouting business almost immediately after playing four seasons for the University of Maine.
Colorado’s previous Director of Amateur Scouting was Wade Klippenstein, who left the organization this year when his contract was not renewed. He was not at the table with the Avalanche in Las Vegas for the 2024 NHL Draft.
It’s hard to truly gauge how Pryor has done in the draft with Pittsburgh because it’s only been a few years. None of those draft picks have set foot in the NHL just yet, although their 2023 first rounder Brayden Yager looks good. The Avalanche have just one pick in the first three rounds for the 2025 NHL Draft, so his job won’t exactly be easy.
In addition to hiring Pryor, the Avalanche also announced the replacement for Casey Bond, who they moved on from this summer as Head Strength and Conditioning coach. Alexi Pianosi, also previously with the Penguins, will take over for Bond, who had been with the organization since 2005. Just like Pryor, Pianosi comes from the Penguins organization, as he’s been their Strength and Conditioning Coach for the last four seasons.
Here’s some more information from Colorado’s press release on Pianosi, who has a previous relationship with Avalanche superstar Nathan MacKinnon.
Prior to joining the Penguins, Pianosi worked as the Head Strength and Conditioning Coach for the Halifax Mooseheads of the QMJHL, coordinating their strength and conditioning, nutrition, and sports science programs.
A native of Halifax, Nova Scotia, Pianosi has operated a private business since 2009, working with professional and semi-professional hockey players from the Maritime region and beyond. Most notably, Pianosi began working with Stanley Cup champion and 2023-24 Hart Trophy winner Nathan MacKinnon in 2009, and has continued to work closely with the Avalanche forward during the off-season in Halifax.
