The Vancouver Canucks faced a tough 2024-25 season, marked by disappointment and inconsistency. After the departure of Rick Tocchet, the team is now focusing on finding stability as they turn a new page in their journey. To guide them through this transition, the Canucks have promoted assistant coach Adam Foote to head coach, and his appointment has generated excitement among the players, including right winger Conor Garland.
Conor Garland’s Confidence in Adam Foote
Conor Garland expressed his enthusiasm about Foote taking over as head coach. After winning gold with Team USA at the 2025 World Championship, Garland shared his thoughts on the promotion. He spoke about his positive experience with Foote as an assistant coach, praising his intelligence and fun nature. While Garland acknowledged that the change might lead to less personal time with Foote at the rink, he is confident in his new coach’s abilities.
Transitioning from Assistant to Head Coach
Bruce Boudreau, the former head coach of the Canucks, offered some advice on the challenges Foote will face in his new role. Boudreau compared the shift from assistant to head coach as a significant change in dynamics. As an assistant, the coach is more approachable, answering players’ questions and building relationships. However, as a head coach, Foote will need to assume the role of a disciplinarian and make tough decisions. Boudreau, with his decades of coaching experience, emphasized that this transition can be difficult but necessary.
Improving Team Performance
While Adam Foote’s promotion marks a significant change in leadership, the Canucks’ performance under his guidance has shown improvement. The team’s expected goals share at 5-on-5 increased from 47.83% under Boudreau to 50.58% under Foote and Tocchet. Additionally, the penalty kill, which struggled under Boudreau at 73.7%, improved significantly under Foote and Tocchet, reaching 80.3% over 200 games and 82.6% in the 2024-25 season, ranking third in the NHL.
Derek Forbort’s Decision to Stay
One of the standout stories in Vancouver this offseason is veteran defenseman Derek Forbort’s decision to re-sign with the Canucks. Forbort, who joined Vancouver last season on a one-year deal, chose to return for another season, further confirming his trust in Foote’s leadership. The 33-year-old signed a new one-year contract worth $2 million, showing his belief in the team’s direction and Foote’s ability to lead.
The Big Question: Quinn Hughes’ Future
Amid the changes in the Canucks’ coaching staff, one question remains: will Quinn Hughes, one of the team’s star players, stay beyond his two-year contract? GM Patrik Allvin and president Jim Rutherford will have to carefully consider their roster decisions, as Hughes’ desire to remain with the Canucks will play a crucial role in shaping the team’s future. As Boudreau pointed out, trading Hughes would require a substantial return, as his talent is unmatched.
Foote’s Coaching Staff
To further bolster his leadership team, Foote has made several key hires for the Canucks’ coaching staff. Kevin Dean, a former defenseman and Stanley Cup winner with the New Jersey Devils, will take over as the defensive assistant coach. Dean has prior experience coaching Forbort in Boston and Garland as part of the U.S. staff at the World Championship. Brett McLean and Scott Young have also joined the staff as assistant coaches. McLean has a strong background coaching in the AHL and NHL, while Young brings a wealth of experience from his playing career, including winning the Stanley Cup with the Pittsburgh Penguins and Colorado Avalanche.
Changes to Vancouver’s Coaching Staff
While there are several new additions to the Canucks’ coaching staff, there are also some departures. Yogi Svejkovsky, who previously handled special teams duties, has moved to Philadelphia with Rick Tocchet. Sergei Gonchar, the team’s defensive development coach, and video coach Dylan Crawford will also not be returning next season. However, Henrik and Daniel Sedin will continue their roles as player development coaches, and Marko Torenius will remain as the goalie coach.
As the Canucks embark on this new chapter under Adam Foote, there is a sense of optimism. While the transition may bring challenges, Foote’s track record and the improvements seen in the team’s performance give fans hope for a brighter future. With a revamped coaching staff and the confidence of key players like Conor Garland and Derek Forbort, the Canucks are aiming for stability and success in the 2025 season. However, the question of Quinn Hughes’ future will loom large, as his decision will undoubtedly impact the team’s long-term goals.
