The Canucks cleared house following a disastrous season, but as they overhaul their front office, they’re keeping the hiring in-house.
Daniel and Henrik Sedin, named as the Canucks co-presidents of hockey operations, and Ryan Johnson, appointed to the role of General Manager.
The twins – who are one and two all-time in franchise scoring – are jointly succeeding Jim Rutherford, who stepped down after a last place finish for the Canucks, despite entering the season with aspirations of coming out of the Pacific.
The Sedins have been active with the club since their retirement – working in the player development department – but this will be their first major experience in executive management.
After getting drafted together – playing, retiring, and getting inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame together – it was only fitting they took this next step as a team – something they even predicted when they hung up their skates.
The Canucks’ last playoff success – their infamous run to the 2011 Cup Finals – was due in large part to the Swedes’ incredible chemistry – so ownership is banking on them recreating that magic from the front office
“For the past 26 years, Daniel and Henrik, have dedicated their entire professional hockey careers to Vancouver. Whether as players, or in various management positions, they’ve always committed themselves to excellence.”
“When they came to us with their vision and a plan for the next upcoming years, we got so excited,” said Henrik Sedin.
“Every successful team we’ve been a part of had values, cornerstones, that could answer one question: Why are we here, and what do we stand for? Three words that we will live by: Connected, committed, and purpose,” said Daniel Sedin.
“We want to re-establish the connection, from top to bottom within this organization, but also in the community, to this fanbase, and to the city of Vancouver, and the province of B.C.,” said Henrik.
Ryan Johnson, meanwhile, also had a lengthy career playing in the NHL, including a stop with the Canucks — he replaces Patrik Allvin, who was fired last month.
Johnson was the architect behind the Abbotsford Canucks’ Calder Cup win last year, so he does have a proven track record in the GM’s chair.
“It’s been an organic journey, so I haven’t skipped, jumped the line, I’ve got to know specifically, and one thing I’m proud of, is one organization for a long time, a lot of people in here I’m familiar with,” said Ryan Johnson.
However, this is his first NHL gig, so it’s an inexperienced front office for the Canucks who are at a critical turning point as a franchise and hold the 3rd overall pick in the upcoming draft.
But maybe some fresh blood – if you can call it that – is just what the team needs to change its trajectory.