Pro Scout Archie Henderson’s Oilers Director Retires Following NHL Draft

Edmonton — Archie Henderson, director of professional scouting for the Edmonton Oilers, will retire.

Henderson came from Detroit Red Wings with General Manager Ken Holland when the Netherlands arrived in Edmonton three seasons ago. Under the Netherlands and Henderson, the acquisition of professionals was much more successful for teams where pro-scouting was almost non-functional at the end of the reign of former GM Peter Chiarelli. As a result, the Oilers moved up the ranks.

The exchange of Henderson will be a Dutch job. Most of the teams have a roster of older professional scouts, and one of the names that pops out as a younger, more progressive recruit is Ken’s son, Brad Holland.

Brad Holland is super qualified, but can be required by multiple teams. He has also probably reached the point in his career that it is wise to start on his own rather than continue to work for his father.

Henderson retires at the age of 65. This is a pile of guys over 220 pounds at 6 feet 5. He played 23 NHL games in Washington, Minnesota and Hartford in the 1980s on the 10th round draft topic in 1977, after which he scouted Capitals, Senators, Red Wings and Oilers.

Under Henderson’s supervision, the Oilers have put together a one-year contract for players such as Gaetan Haas, Riley Sheahan, Joachim Nigard and Marx Granrund in the first year. From 25th to 12th in the NHL’s overall ranking. Edmonton finished 11th in the next two seasons, but with players such as Zack Heyman, Ebander Kane, Cody Ceci, Duncan Keith and Brett Clark, he made it to the Western Conference Finals this spring.

Henderson will stay in the Oilers through the upcoming NHL Entry Draft.