Boudreau's Critique Of Canucks' Former Management Was Right, But Change Is On The Way
The NHL hockey market in Vancouver has grown increasingly volatile as the Canucks have self-immolated for both of the past two seasons.
Canucks fans have grown exhausted with the ongoing drama of the organization and the consistent disappointment with the current iteration of the team. And even former Canucks coach Bruce Boudreau has weighed in on the state of the franchise, ripping former president of hockey operations Jim Rutherford while praising new GM Ryan Johnson and new co-presidents Henrik and Daniel Sedin.
Canucks Co-President Henrik Sedin Wants To 'Build A Team That The Fans Can Be Proud Of'
Co-Presidents of Hockey Operations Daniel and Henrik Sedin, and General Manager Ryan Johnson, will spearhead the Canucks' oncoming rebuild.
This Vancouver team needed a radically different approach, and that's what it feels like Johnson, the Sedins and Malhotra will be doing with this team, even if it's very early days in the new direction the franchise is taking. But by cleaning house and letting go of Allvin and Foote, the Canucks are clearly trying to turn the page and start a new generation of the team through a full rebuild.
That's the really positive news here if you're a Canucks fan. Vancouver ownership and management now appear to be on the same page for a rebuild, after many years where that wasn't the case.
The quick-fix mentality has been abandoned, and that process started in earnest with the blockbuster trade of superstar defenseman Quinn Hughes to the Minnesota Wild.
Canucks Should Be In No Rush To Name A New Captain
The Vancouver Canucks have not had a captain since Quinn Hughes was traded.
So there can be no turning back now for the Canucks. The veterans they still have – including forwards Elias Pettersson, Brock Boeser and Jake DeBrusk, goalie Thatcher Demko and defenseman Marcus Pettersson – all have to be shopped to see what the team can add in trades for them.
The proof is going to be in the pudding for Johnson and the Sedins when it comes to peeling off veteran pieces of Vancouver's roster. But while there's going to be more pain ahead, the Canucks have to focus on moving two steps forward for every step back. And that means patience for Vancouver fans.
It's going to be difficult for those fans to grit their teeth and bear it as the Canucks steer into a new direction, but the good news is it's the right direction.
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This story was originally published June 7, 2026 at 12:24 PM.