One of the more elite teams in the Ontario Hockey League, it looks as though the London Knights have produced yet another NHL product. Only this time, it’s not a player coming out of London’s development program. Instead, it looks as though general manager Basil McRae will be leaving the Knights – shortly after winning the Memorial Cup – to join the likes of Mark Hunter at the NHL level.
According to CTV London, McRae will join the NHL’s Columbus Blue Jackets as the new director of player personnel.
“I would like to thank Mark and Dale Hunter for guiding me during my time as the general manager of the London Knights,” said McRae in the a new release. “They have been great mentors of mine and given me the necessary skills for my new position. I truly appreciate everything they have done for me in London.”
McRae took over for former GM Mark Hunter on October 21, 2014. Before that, he worked as a pro scout for both the St. Louis Blues and the Blue Jackets.
He played for the London Knights from 1978 to 1981 before playing 576 regular season games in the NHL with the Quebec Nordiques, Toronto Maple Leafs, Detroit Red Wings, Minnesota North Stars, Tampa Bay Lightning, St. Louis Blues and Chicago Blackhawks. He racked up 136 points (53g-83a) over that span to go along with 2,453 penalty minutes.
London Knights Assistant General Manager, Rob Simpson has been named the team's new General Manager.https://t.co/w2zShykLdj
— London Knights (@LondonKnights) July 6, 2016
Former assistant general manager and assistant coach Rob Simpson has been named as McRae’s replacement. Simpson’s played a significant role with the team including the development and growth of the franchise. He’s helped shape the 2013 OHL Champion team as well as the recent 2016 OHL and Memorial Cup Championship team.
Jake Goldberg – assistant director of scouting with the Knights – will take over the assistant general manager’s job with all jobs taking effect immediately.