Adam Foote Signals a Fresh Start Behind the Canucks Bench
The Vancouver Canucks have pressed reset on their bench, putting their faith in former NHL defenseman Adam Foote as head coach and tasking him with steering the team into a new chapter. That means a significantly reworked coaching staff for the 2025-26 season, packed with experience and some local connections.
To give his new project the best chance, Foote is bringing in Kevin Dean, Brett McLean, and Scott Young as assistant coaches. Each of them knows the grind of the NHL inside out, whether from behind the bench or on the ice. Dean, with years of experience coaching NHL blue lines, will likely take a hands-on role with the Canucks' defense, hoping to plug leaks and build resilience at the back.
Brett McLean, a Vancouver Island native, brings grit and familiarity with the expectations of both the league and local fans. Having suited up for the Blackhawks, Avalanche, and Panthers, McLean has seen plenty of locker rooms and different team cultures—making him a steady hand for the Canucks’ younger players craving mentorship.
Then there’s Scott Young, who’s making the jump from front-office duties as Director of Player Personnel right onto the ice. With an impressive 17-year NHL career that includes stints with the Whalers, Nordiques, and Stars, Young gives Foote a voice that commands instant respect. His transition brings a bridge between management and players, something that’s typically in short supply but vital for any rebuilding squad.
New Faces—But Familiar Names Stay On Board
While three new assistants will bring energy and fresh ideas, the Canucks have also chosen stability where it counts. Twin legends Henrik and Daniel Sedin, whose names are just about synonymous with Vancouver hockey, stick around as player development coaches. They’ll keep working directly with prospects and younger roster players, passing on those famous work habits and hockey IQ.
Jason Krog remains in charge of skills and skating, which makes sense for a team that wants to grow from within. Marko Torenius still leads the goalie department, focusing on both technique and the mental side of the game—key, given Vancouver’s demanding fan base and goalie history. Ian Beckenstein is staying put as assistant video coach, while Adam Foote hinted the team may still add another video-coaching mind, likely to keep up with the league’s ever-growing need for instant feedback and tactical tweaks.
The shift comes with some high-profile exits. Yogi Svejkovsky, the former assistant coach, has left for an opportunity with the Flyers. Sergei Gonchar, who was leading defensive development, has moved on as well, as has video coach Dylan Crawford. These changes mark a clear end of an era and the start of another, as Vancouver aims for a culture reset after finishing last season at 38-30-14 and missing expectations.
General Manager Patrik Allvin didn’t mince words about the hiring process. He called it exhaustive and emphasized how head coach Adam Foote carefully chose a group with strong teaching backgrounds and real-world playing experience. According to Allvin, this crew won’t just lean on resumes—they’ll work in the trenches to push players past their comfort zones, boosting both potential and accountability.
Foote himself is no stranger to these expectations. Elevated from assistant after Rick Tocchet’s departure, he’s got a mandate to rebuild with a sharper focus on development and teaching. By assembling assistants who’ve lived the NHL life—and who know what it’s like to wear a Canucks jersey or grow up feeling the weight of the city’s hopes—he’s signaling that the next chapter will focus on both performance and culture.
The 2025-26 season will show if this new mix of voices finds the right chemistry. One thing’s certain: with these hires, the organization is betting that experience, teaching ability, and some Vancouver blood are the right ingredients for the next big step.
