"Cammi is a tremendous leader and has earned the respect of the hockey world. She has a great mind for the game and experience and influence at all levels," said Rutherford. "In her role, Cammi will oversee our player development department and our amateur and pro scouting department. Cammi's input will also be included in all areas of hockey operations as we leverage the diverse opinions and experience of our new leadership group to build a winning team."
"I appreciate the cooperation and the help that Ron Francis and the Seattle Kraken have provided to us during the process," added Rutherford.
"I am honoured to join the Vancouver Canucks and the hockey operations leadership group that Jim Rutherford and his team have assembled," said Granato. "It's a dream to have an opportunity like this in the city that I call home, and with an exciting young team with championship aspirations.
"I also want to thank Ron Francis and the entire Seattle Kraken organization," continued Granato. "It was extremely special to help build their team and to be part of their inaugural NHL season. Ron supported me throughout my time in Seattle and continued to support me when Vancouver approached me with this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity."
Granato captained the 1998 USA women's team to an Olympic gold medal that inspired a generation of female players. She was a key member of 10 world championship medal-winning teams (one gold, nine silver) plus a silver medal at the 2002 Olympics in Salt Lake City. Participating in seven 4 Nations Cup tournaments, she and her teammates collected two golds and five silvers.
Cammi Granato is the all-time leading scorer for the U.S. women's team with 343 points, including 186 goals and 157 assists. She was elected to the Hockey Hall of Fame in 2010, along with Canada great Angela James. They were the first two women inducted. She was also recently named to the Hockey Hall of Fame's selection committee, joining Cassie Campbell-Pascall as the two women currently on the HHOF selection committee.
