NHL Insiders Agree on Vancouver Canucks Main Head Coach Target
VANCOUVER, B.C. — With Rick Tocchet officially out as head coach of the Vancouver Canucks, the team’s search for a new bench boss is gaining momentum—and NHL insiders appear to be in agreement: there’s one name sitting at the top of Vancouver’s wishlist.
Multiple reports emerging from league insiders this week confirm that the Canucks’ front office has zeroed in on a clear frontrunner to lead the team into its next chapter. According to Elliotte Friedman (Sportsnet), Pierre LeBrun (TSN), and Frank Seravalli (Daily Faceoff), the Canucks’ primary target is Craig Berube, the 2019 Stanley Cup-winning former head coach of the St. Louis Blues.
Berube Leads the Pack
“There’s a strong belief around the league that Craig Berube is Vancouver’s main target,” said Friedman during his weekly appearance on Hockey Night in Canada. “He checks every box that Jim Rutherford and Patrik Allvin are looking for—tough, experienced, proven success under pressure, and respected in the locker room.”
Berube, 58, has been without a coaching job since being let go by the Blues in December 2023 after a slow start to the season. Despite his departure, his reputation across the league remains strong, particularly for his work in turning around the Blues’ 2018–19 season—guiding a last-place team in January to a Stanley Cup by June.
“His resume is hard to ignore,” noted TSN’s LeBrun. “He’s been through adversity, he’s a players’ coach, and he brings a culture of accountability. That’s exactly what the Canucks seem to need with a core like Elias Pettersson, Quinn Hughes, and Thatcher Demko.”
Canucks’ Search Prioritizes Leadership, Experience
The departure of Rick Tocchet after an up-and-down tenure left questions about the Canucks’ direction heading into the 2025–26 season. Tocchet’s exit, while not entirely surprising, caught fans off guard after the team exceeded expectations during parts of the 2024–25 campaign.
Sources close to the organization say management is now intent on finding a long-term fit—someone who can build off the current momentum and instill a strong team identity.
“This isn’t a short-term fix for the Canucks,” one insider told The Athletic. “They want someone who can help them win now, but also lay a foundation for the next 3–5 years. Berube fits that mold.”
According to reports, the Canucks have already reached out to Berube’s camp to express their interest and are expected to conduct formal interviews in the coming days.
Other Names in the Mix
While Berube remains the leading candidate, the Canucks are doing their due diligence by interviewing other potential head coaches as part of a broad search process.
Among those reportedly under consideration:
Todd McLellan, former Kings and Sharks head coach, known for his tactical discipline.
Jay Woodcroft, who showed flashes of brilliance with the Edmonton Oilers before his midseason dismissal.
Andrew Brunette, currently with the Nashville Predators as an assistant, lauded for his work with offensive systems.
Still, none of these names carry the immediate weight or championship pedigree that Berube brings.
“Vancouver wants a guy who’s been there before—who knows what it takes to get over the hump,” said Seravalli. “That’s why Berube is the guy to watch.”
Player Buy-In Will Be Key
One of the main factors in the Canucks’ final decision will be the response of their core players to the new hire. Pettersson, Hughes, and Demko are all entering pivotal phases of their careers, and the organization is determined not to waste the prime years of its stars.
Berube’s reputation as a communicator and motivator could work in his favor.
“Guys play hard for Chief [Berube],” said a former Blues player anonymously. “He keeps it real, but he’s not a screamer for the sake of it. You always know where you stand.”
Canucks captain Quinn Hughes was diplomatic when asked about the coaching search earlier this week.
“We just want someone who can push us, who believes in us,” Hughes said. “The locker room is ready to win. We’ve learned a lot the past few years, and we want to take that next step.”
What Happens Next?
With the NHL Draft and free agency approaching in the coming weeks, the Canucks are expected to finalize their head coach hire before mid-June. This will give the new coach time to provide input on roster decisions and preseason preparations.
If Berube accepts the job, it would mark his third NHL head coaching role following stints in St. Louis and Philadelphia. It would also signal a new era for the Canucks—one potentially built on grit, structure, and postseason pedigree.
For now, fans and insiders alike are watching closely as Vancouver inches toward what could be one of the most important hires in franchise history.
As Friedman summed it up: “This isn’t just about getting a coach. This is about setting the tone for what kind of team Vancouver wants to be.”
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