Devils Part Ways with David Conte

David Conte (NHL.com)

General Manager Ray Shero announced on July 9 that the Devils would not be retaining David Conte, director of scouting. Conte had been with the organization for 31 years — almost half of Conte’s 66 years — with 22 of them spent as the director of scouting.

Shero released a statement thanking Conte and adding, “David and I have had numerous discussions regarding his future. Based on our conversations, I believe it is in the best interests of our organization for David to pursue other opportunities and to not renew his contract.”

There’s no doubt that without Conte’s scouting and incredible drafting the Devils never would have achieved their past successes. Conte drafted Martin Brodeur, Brendan Shanahan, Scott Niedermayer, Scott Gomez, and many other successful Devils.

Shero has come in and absolutely changed the direction of this franchise. Ultimately, they will be better off when his vision, and that of head coach John Hynes, turns into a reality.