Here's the latest on the Vancouver Canucks' GM search
The Vancouver Canucks don’t have a GM in place just yet, but they are getting closer to making a decision.
Following a disastrous 2025-26 season, which saw the Canucks win just 25 games, the organization chose to fire Patrik Allvin. Since then, they’ve been conducting several interviews as they look to bring in a replacement for the 2026-27 campaign and beyond.
Several names have been linked to the position, including a number of former NHLers, and among them is former Canuck Jeff Tambellini.
On Friday morning, Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman gave a further update on the search, and included a few discussed names who have been told they are no longer in the running.
“Let’s take a look at the names we’re aware of: Shane Doan, Jeff Tambellini, Brad Pascall, Ryan Johnson, Patrick Burke, Ray Whitney, Evan Gold, Ryan Martin, Brett Peterson, Jamie Langenbrunner. Unless I forgot someone who has been reported, those are the ones I know about,” Friedman said on the latest 32 Thoughts podcast.
“Now, Tom Fitzgerald, I think they did ask to talk to him, but I understand he’s focused on Nashville, so that didn’t happen. I believe some people have been told they’re out. I think Patrick Burke was told he was out. I think Ray Whitney was told he was out. I think Ryan Martin was told he was out.”
According to Friedman, while the Canucks have told a few of the candidates they are out, they have yet to put a short list together. That said, there do seem to be a few individuals listed above that the organization really likes.
“I’ve heard positive things about Doan, I’ve heard positive things about Gold. But, there could be others. I just might not have heard everything,” Friedman continued.
Friedman also went on to mention that if the Canucks do hire externally, there could be questions about Johnson’s future with the organization. The 49-year-old has held a front office role with the Canucks since the 2013-14 campaign.
While the Canucks do still have some time to make a decision, they will likely want a new GM in place well ahead of the 2026 draft, which is scheduled to take place on June 26 and 27.
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