VANCOUVER — The Vancouver Canucks’ ongoing search for their next head coach has taken a surprising turn with the reemergence of Adam Foote as a serious contender for the position. While the hiring process has been conducted largely behind closed doors, new details are beginning to emerge, and they paint a more complex picture than initially expected.
General manager Patrik Allvin and president of hockey operations Jim Rutherford are in the thick of their head coaching search, quietly working through a list of high-profile candidates. Among the names that have surfaced are Manny Malhotra, Marco Sturm, and Adam Foote—three individuals who bring different strengths and coaching backgrounds to the table.
Early in the search, Foote’s name was mentioned but seemed to fade from the conversation. However, that perception appears to have been premature. According to a recent report from NHL insiders Thomas Drance and Rick Dhaliwal, Foote remains a viable and serious candidate for the job. This development comes as something of a surprise, especially given that earlier signs pointed toward the Canucks focusing elsewhere.
Despite the low-profile nature of the search, it’s clear that the Canucks are looking at candidates with significant coaching experience at the AHL level. That requirement is something all three known candidates—Malhotra, Sturm, and Foote—have in common, and it seems to be a key factor in shaping the final decision.
Manny Malhotra: A Rising Coaching Star
Malhotra has had an impressive year in his first season as head coach of the Abbotsford Canucks, Vancouver’s AHL affiliate. Under his leadership, Abbotsford set a new franchise record, finishing with 92 points on a 44-24-4 record—just two points shy of capturing a division title.
The team’s strong performance has carried into the postseason as well. Abbotsford is currently locked in a battle with the Colorado Eagles in the Calder Cup Playoffs, fighting for a chance to advance to the Western Conference Final. Malhotra’s success at the AHL level, combined with his familiarity with the Canucks organization, makes him a natural fit and a compelling candidate for promotion to the NHL bench.
Marco Sturm: A Proven Leader in the AHL
Marco Sturm, currently serving as head coach of the Ontario Reign—the Los Angeles Kings’ AHL affiliate—also brings a solid resume to the table. Over the past three seasons, Sturm has posted a commendable 119-80-17 record, consistently finishing in the top three of the Pacific Division.
Despite his strong regular-season performance, Sturm’s playoff success this year was limited. His team was eliminated quickly in the first round of the postseason, falling in a two-game sweep to the San Jose Barracuda and scoring just one goal across the series. Still, his consistent record and experience developing young players make him a strong contender in Vancouver’s coaching search.
Adam Foote: A Name Back in the Mix
Perhaps the most unexpected storyline has been the renewed consideration of Adam Foote. At one point, it seemed his candidacy had lost momentum and that he was no longer seriously being considered. However, recent updates suggest that Foote remains very much in the running for the job.
This turn of events comes as a surprise to many fans and analysts, who believed the Canucks were moving forward with other options. Foote’s coaching experience includes time as an assistant coach with the Colorado Avalanche, as well as a stint behind the bench at the junior level. While his head coaching résumé doesn’t match that of Malhotra or Sturm in terms of AHL experience, he brings a wealth of NHL playing experience, leadership skills, and a strong understanding of defensive systems.
Reports suggest that the Canucks value these traits, particularly as they look to build a coaching staff capable of guiding a young, evolving roster. Foote’s ability to connect with players and help establish a strong defensive identity could align with the organization’s vision for the team’s future.
The Common Thread: AHL Experience as a Key Criterion
Though each candidate brings a different set of experiences and credentials, a common thread among them is familiarity with the American Hockey League. The Canucks seem to be placing significant importance on candidates who have worked at the AHL level—either as head coaches or in developmental roles. This approach makes sense, as the Canucks continue to rely heavily on their prospect pipeline and prioritize player development.
What also makes this coaching search especially intriguing is how quietly it has unfolded. Compared to other high-profile coaching searches around the league, Vancouver’s process has been relatively discreet. But as more details come to light, it’s clear that the organization is carefully weighing its options and not rushing into a decision.
The Canucks’ front office appears determined to find a coach who not only fits the team’s immediate needs but also aligns with the long-term vision for success. Whoever earns the job will be tasked with steering a team full of rising talent—including players like Quinn Hughes, Elias Pettersson, and Thatcher Demko—toward sustained competitiveness in the Pacific Division.
Next Steps for the Canucks
While no final decision has been announced, it’s evident that the process is nearing its conclusion. With the offseason approaching and roster decisions on the horizon, the Canucks will want to have their new head coach in place soon. That coach will play a central role in shaping team strategy, evaluating returning players, and preparing for free agency and the NHL Draft.
Whether the job goes to Malhotra, Sturm, Foote, or another mystery candidate not yet revealed to the public, Vancouver’s choice will say a lot about the direction of the franchise. Will they go with the in-house favorite in Malhotra? Take a chance on a steady AHL hand like Sturm? Or will they surprise everyone and hand the reins to Adam Foote, whose candidacy has quietly reemerged at a critical moment?
For now, fans and analysts alike will have to wait and see how the situation unfolds. One thing is clear: Adam Foote is not out of the running—and in fact, his return to the conversation adds a compelling wrinkle to one of the NHL’s more intriguing coaching searches.
