School to Career - New York Rangers - Manager of Scouting


		NHL Entry Draft

Scouting is a major behind-the-scenes activity of all professional teams, and it includes watching and determining which amateur and professional players the team should pursue. Victor Saljanin handles the busy position of Manager of Scouting for the New York Rangers and works closely with professional and amateur scouts on a daily basis.

In addition, Victor manages and monitors the team’s scouting software, assists the scouting department with credentials so scouts can attend pro and amateur games and obtains tickets for the scouts to attend tournaments in North America and Europe to evaluate players from around the world. When approaching the amateur draft, Victor assists with draft preparation and throughout the year he is responsible for circulating daily transactions (where players are going) and a list of current players on waivers.

Skills & a Positive Attitude

A graduate of St. John’s University in New York City, Victor received his Bachelor of Arts Degree in Sports Management. Today, he uses his communications, managing, planning and computer skills as well as his education from St. John’s in his role with the Rangers organization. “A hockey background is a bonus,” says Victor, referring to having played the game and understanding the rules. “It also helps to have a very positive, professional attitude and a passion for the sport,” he adds.

Working His Way Up

Victor climbed the ladder in the Ranger’s organization, starting as an intern in the Public Relations department in September 1997, joining the PR Game Night Staff in January 1998. He then moved to the Hockey Operations department, where he worked first as a temp and later as a full-time employee in 1998. “I was promoted to Operations Coordinator in 2002 and then to Manager of Scouting in 2005,” explains Victor, who credits several courses as helping him in his career with the Rangers, including; The Psychology of Coaching, Sports History, Sports Medicine and Current Events in Sports.

If you want to pursue a career such as Victor’s he stresses that you have to do whatever it takes to succeed. “Don’t stop pursuing your dreams and goals,” says Victor.