The Vancouver Canucks have answered their biggest question mark heading into the 2025-26 NHL season, as they named Adam Foote their new head coach, replacing Rick Tocchet. Perhaps the announcement was exactly what one of the best prospects in Vancouver’s pool was awaiting, signing with Elias Pettersson’s Canucks almost immediately after Foote’s confirmed arrival.
The Canucks are coming off a dramatic NHL season in which the reported rift between Pettersson and J.T. Miller led to the latter being traded back to the New York Rangers. However, his departure didn’t magically turn the tide in Vancouver, as they ended the campaign in disappointing fashion.
Foote, who was appointed as an assistant coach in Vancouver midway through the 2022-23 season with Rick Tocchet’s hiring, is now stepping up to the head coaching job. It will be his first time at the helm of a coaching staff in the NHL, ahead of a pivotal campaign in Vancity.
Foote will take over a roster with no shortage of talented players, like Pettersson, who seems to be lacking confidence after turbulent years in Vancouver. Still, the Canucks’ expectations won’t be any lower because of Foote being a first-year head coach, and the fanbase won’t waver in their dream of the first Stanley Cup.
Fortunately for Foote, Pettersson, and the Canucks, a talented rookie has signed his entry-level contract (ELC) with the franchise and could provide an instant spark to the team if he’s to play in the NHL next season.
Former 11th overall pick in the 2023 NHL entry Draft defenseman Tom Willander has agreed to terms on a three-year, entry-level contract starting in 2025-26. Willander arrives in Vancouver after two years at Boston University in the NCAA.
Willander’s numbers
The 20-year-old, 6’1” blueliner is coming off a 24-point season (2 G, 22 A) in 39 games played with Boston University during the 2024-25 NCAA campaign. He represented Sweden during the World Juniors, recording 5 points (2 G, 3 A) in 7 games.
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Tocchet’s next adventure
After moving on from the Canucks, Rick Tocchet has reportedly found his new home in the NHL, as different sources indicate the Philadelphia Flyers will hire the 2023-24 Jack Adams Award winner ahead of the upcoming season.