Evander Kane’s Former Coach Offers Candid Look at What the Canucks Are Getting—Vancouver’s Bold Addition Drawing Early Praise
When the Vancouver Canucks swung a deal for veteran winger Evander Kane, the NHL world immediately took notice—and not just because of Kane’s reputation. Known for his scoring touch and physical play, the 33-year-old is no stranger to controversy, but he’s also no stranger to producing results. With the Canucks aiming to shake things up heading into the 2025–26 season, Kane’s arrival has sparked strong reactions from both fans and insiders. Now, one of the people who knows him best is weighing in.
Former Vancouver Giants head coach Don Hay, who mentored Kane during his junior hockey days in the WHL, recently opened up about the player he once coached—and the competitor the Canucks are now welcoming back to his hometown. In an interview with The Province’s Ben Kuzma, Hay offered an honest, detailed portrait of the Evander Kane he saw up close: fiery, driven, and, most importantly, coachable.
Vancouver acquired Kane in a low-risk, high-reward trade with the Edmonton Oilers just over three weeks ago. The Canucks gave up only a fourth-round pick in the 2025 NHL Entry Draft to land the nine-time 20-goal scorer, a player fresh off consecutive appearances in the Stanley Cup Final with Edmonton. The move was seen by many as a gamble, but one with serious upside—particularly if Kane can recapture the form that once made him a top-five draft pick.
Canucks Head Coach Adam Foote now has a new weapon in his top-six forward group. Kane brings a level of grit, edge, and scoring punch that Vancouver has arguably lacked in recent years. He’s projected to contribute not only at even strength but also on the second power play unit, and perhaps even on the penalty kill—a testament to his versatility when engaged.
While some NHL fans have expressed skepticism about Kane’s fit in the Canucks locker room, Hay was quick to defend the winger’s character and intensity, citing their time together with the Vancouver Giants as evidence of Kane’s dedication.
“As a coach, you have to be stubborn, and he was coachable,” Hay explained. “But I was firm and direct with him, and he responded to that. He was suited for me and I was suited for him at that stage of his career. He believes in himself and what he brings. That’s the biggest thing. He might rub some people the wrong way, but I really admire his competitiveness.”
That competitiveness was on full display during Kane’s final season with the Giants, when he racked up 96 points in 61 games—a monster campaign that launched him up the 2009 NHL Draft boards. He was ultimately selected fourth overall by the Atlanta Thrashers, where he spent his first two NHL seasons before the franchise relocated to Winnipeg.
Since then, Kane’s NHL journey has taken him through Buffalo, San Jose, and most recently, Edmonton. Across 16 seasons, he’s developed a reputation as a physical winger who scores in bunches, isn’t afraid of confrontation, and will stand up for teammates when needed. He’s not always been beloved by the media or opponents, but he’s rarely gone unnoticed.
Hay believes the Canucks are getting exactly the type of player they need—a fiery competitor who plays hard and embraces the grind of NHL hockey.
“He’s a real competitive player who loves to score goals,” Hay said. “I don’t think he has changed from when he was young. He plays a hard and physical game and goes to the real tough areas to compete for the puck. And he’s a shooter. He’s going to really complement their team.”
In a league increasingly defined by speed and finesse, players like Kane—who aren’t afraid to get into the corners, throw hits, and battle in front of the net—still hold real value. The Canucks, who’ve at times struggled with consistency and toughness in their top-six forwards, appear to be banking on Kane’s edge to change that dynamic.
Fans in Vancouver are now eagerly awaiting their first look at Kane in Canucks colors. Training camp can’t come soon enough, and excitement is building for the team’s preseason schedule. But it’s the regular season opener—slated for Thursday, October 9th against the Calgary Flames—that has fans most intrigued. Kane, who was born and raised in Vancouver, will officially debut for his hometown team in a high-stakes, nationally televised showdown.
Of course, questions remain. Kane’s history includes locker room drama and off-ice controversies, which have made some teams hesitant in the past. But the Canucks are betting on the version of Kane that Hay described: a hard-nosed competitor who responds to strong leadership and thrives when given structure.
GM Patrik Allvin has come under recent scrutiny for other roster decisions, but the acquisition of Kane—particularly at the price of a fourth-round pick—has the potential to be a steal. If the forward can stay healthy and motivated, he could bring immediate impact to a Canucks team looking to return to playoff relevance.
In many ways, this move signals a new identity for Vancouver—one built around a mix of skill and sandpaper. And if Kane can bring both to the table, he might just win over the skeptics who questioned whether he was worth the risk.
For Don Hay, there’s no question what kind of player the Canucks are getting.
“He’s driven,” Hay concluded. “He believes in what he brings to the ice every night. He wants to make a difference. And he usually does.”
That belief may be exactly what Vancouver needs as they embark on a crucial season. With Kane in the fold, expectations are high—but so is the potential for a big return on a bold bet.
