The struggling Vancouver Canucks do not have a timeline in mind for bringing in a new coach and/or GM.
“Look, I know the Canucks and their fans are clamouring for something,” Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman said during the 32 Thoughts segment on Hockey Night in Canada on Saturday. “And here’s the best thing I’ve heard in the last 24 to 48 hours: Don’t guestimate on a timeline because there is no set timeline.”
The Canucks have stumbled out of the gate to a 6-13-2 start, far below expectations, and have looked bad while doing it. This has put considerable pressure on GM Jim Benning and coach Travis Green.
“I think the Canucks have considered some things. They had permission to talk to Claude Julien, they thought about it; I don’t think they’re going down that road,” Friedman said. “They talked about Scott Walker as head coach; (he) formerly was in development in their organization and works with the Guelph Storm. But I don’t believe they’re going down that road either.
“I think they are considering some options about what they might do, but I’ve been told nothing long-term will be done until they are convinced they have the right person or people for those spots.
“So, again, I’m told, don’t guess on a timeline because they’re not rushing to do anything permanent.”
But you can see that the team is starting to feel the heat.
After the Canucks’ 4-1 loss to Pittsburgh on Tuesday, one longtime executive told Friedman a change on the management side would be “almost a mercy killing after a night like that.”
This was followed by forward JT Miller rolling his eyes at a “Do you think everyone is buying in?” question during a media Zoom call, responding with “I don’t know.”
Team Canada recently named former Canadiens, Bruins and Devils coach Julien as head coach for the upcoming Channel One and Spengler Cups, with the added possibility of coaching the men’s Olympic team if NHLers don’t go. Bruce Boudreau and Walker are the assistants.
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