Will There Be Management And/Or Coaching Changes For The Vancouver Canucks This Offseason?
Elliotte Friedman addressed rumors concerning potential shifts within the Vancouver Canucks’ management and coaching staff in the upcoming offseason, specifically discussing the futures of Jim Rutherford and Adam Foote.
Rick Dhaliwal noted that fans on social media are actively demanding the firing of the president, coach, and general manager, but emphasized that “you can’t fire everyone.”
Commenting on Jim Rutherford, Friedman stated he sees no signs of his departure. Having known Rutherford for over 25 years, Friedman highlighted his defiant and persistent nature, traits that allowed him to win three Stanley Cups and suggest he’s not one to give up easily. Despite rumors of his possible retirement at 70, Friedman stressed that recent conversations with Rutherford gave no impression that he intended to step down.
Regarding Adam Foote, Friedman believes some of the team’s issues this season were far greater than Foote’s influence, citing Quinn Hughes’ unhappiness as an example. Friedman suggests that Foote’s performance should primarily be judged by the development of young players such as Zeev Buium, Liam Ogren, Marco Rossi, and Tom Willander. He questions whether these prospects can improve under Foote’s guidance and if Foote can teach newcomers, like McKenna, the nuances of NHL play. Friedman also added that changing a coach just a year after hiring them often signals an organizational failure.
