VANCOUVER, B.C. — As the Vancouver Canucks navigate their latest coaching transition, NHL insiders are beginning to draw connections between the franchise and a familiar figure from the Pacific Division. Jay Woodcroft, the former head coach of the Edmonton Oilers, is emerging as a top candidate for the Canucks’ head coaching vacancy.
Rick Tocchet’s departure from the Canucks bench marked the end of a coaching chapter that, while initially promising, failed to evolve into a long-term solution. Tocchet was initially brought in with hopes that his leadership and no-nonsense style would guide a young Canucks core—led by Quinn Hughes, Elias Pettersson, and Thatcher Demko—into serious playoff contention. But with his tenure now over, Vancouver’s front office is turning the page and actively searching for the next coach to take the reins.
Enter Jay Woodcroft, a man who not only knows the pressure of Canadian markets but also brings a strong record from his time with the Edmonton Oilers. According to Sportsnet insider Jeff Marek, Woodcroft is quickly gaining traction as a potential favorite to land the Canucks job.
“Jay Woodcroft is the guy I keep circling back to when it comes to the Canucks,” Marek said recently. “He understands what it means to coach in a Canadian market, and more importantly, he knows how to run an offense.”
Woodcroft’s Resume and the Road Back
Despite his dismissal by the Oilers in the 2023–24 season, Woodcroft’s coaching résumé remains impressive. Over the span of nearly three years in Edmonton, he compiled a solid 79-41-13 record and helped guide the team through multiple playoff runs. Coaching superstars like Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl, he proved capable of handling elite-level talent and managing high-pressure expectations.
However, after a sluggish start to the 2023–24 season, the Oilers opted to make a change behind the bench, bringing in Kris Knoblauch. Since then, Woodcroft has remained unemployed, though his name has floated around various vacancies, suggesting his return to NHL coaching is more a question of “when” than “if.”
Now, with several other high-profile candidates like Mike Sullivan, Joel Quenneville, and David Carle no longer available, Woodcroft might represent one of the most experienced and intriguing names left on the coaching market.
Vancouver’s Dilemma: External Veteran or Internal Familiar Face?
While Woodcroft’s name continues to gain steam, it’s worth noting that the Canucks also have an internal candidate in Manny Malhotra—a well-respected figure within the organization and someone seen as having strong potential to make the leap to a head coaching role. Malhotra, a former NHL forward and longtime assistant coach, has built a solid reputation for his work in player development and his strong relationship with the current roster.
Still, the allure of a coach like Woodcroft—someone who’s already been tested at the NHL level and proven he can win—may be too tempting for Canucks general manager Patrik Allvin and president of hockey operations Jim Rutherford to pass up.
The Canucks’ brass are reportedly focused on hiring a coach who can stabilize the locker room, improve offensive consistency, and instill a playoff mindset from the start of training camp. Those are all qualities that insiders believe Woodcroft can bring.
A Chance for Redemption
For Woodcroft, the Canucks job could represent an ideal opportunity to bounce back and reestablish himself as one of the NHL’s premier bench bosses. Though his time in Edmonton ended abruptly, it was not without success. His teams were known for their high-octane offensive systems, and he gained respect for how he managed the personalities of star players while also demanding accountability.
Critics point out that with McDavid and Draisaitl at his disposal, Woodcroft’s Oilers should have advanced deeper in the playoffs. Still, few argue that he didn’t maximize the team’s strengths while he was there.
In Vancouver, Woodcroft would inherit a talented core that’s hungry to prove itself. Pettersson and Hughes are already among the league’s elite at their respective positions, and Demko is a franchise goaltender capable of carrying the team deep into the postseason. Add in emerging talents like Nils Höglander and Vasili Podkolzin, and the ingredients for a successful run are clearly there.
What Insiders Are Saying
Several analysts believe the timing and fit between Woodcroft and Vancouver may be ideal.
“Vancouver’s not looking for a rebuild,” said Frank Seravalli of Daily Faceoff. “They want someone who can help them win right away—and Jay Woodcroft is a coach who’s proven he can do that.”
Pierre LeBrun of TSN echoed similar sentiments, noting that Woodcroft’s calm demeanor, modern systems, and adaptability make him an ideal candidate for today’s NHL.
“He’s a great communicator,” LeBrun added. “And that matters when you’re trying to get buy-in from a group of young stars who’ve heard a lot of voices over the years.”
The Road Ahead
As the Canucks continue their coaching search, a decision is expected before the NHL Draft and free agency period in late June. With the offseason looming, the new coach will need to quickly align with management on roster decisions, training camp strategies, and long-term vision.
For now, Jay Woodcroft remains very much in the mix—and perhaps even the frontrunner—as Vancouver looks to finalize one of the most critical hires in recent team history.
And if hired, Woodcroft won’t just be taking on a coaching job—he’ll be taking on a chance to rewrite his own story while attempting to lead one of Canada’s most passionate hockey markets back to relevance.
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