Elias Pettersson and the Vancouver Canucks can now truly say the Rick Tocchet days are behind them. Following the former head coach’s exit for the Philadelphia Flyers, the organization in British Columbia has made the final tweaks to its staff for the NHL season.
On that note, the front office took care of another important piece of business so as to let the team’s performance be what determines their success next season. As recently announced by the organization, the Canucks have made the final tweaks to the staff in Vancouver.
“Ian Beckenstein has been promoted to Video Coach and Evan Mathias has been hired as Assistant Video Coach. Taylor Phillips has been promoted to Executive Assistant of Hockey Operations,” the list of moves read, via @Canucks on X.
“Brian Hamilton has been promoted to Head Equipment Manager, Mac Stewart and Brodie St. Jacques are Assistant Equipment Managers, and John Stewart joins full-time as an Assistant Equipment Manager and Visiting Room Attendant.“
Rick Tocchet of the Arizona Coyotes during Media Day for the 2020 NHL All-Star.
Strictly business
Though a passionate sport, hockey is also a business and the NHL is always quick to remind fans of it. Tocchet’s decision to leave the Canucks for a job with the Flyers in the City of Brotherly Love was another reminder.
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However, Pettersson and the Canucks have enough on their plate as it is to be stressing about the past. Tocchet is gone, and Vancouver is now being led by Adam Foote heading into the 2025-26 NHL season.
Hoping to right the ship, Pettersson and company know the work is cut out for them. With the final staff moves, now it’s up to Pettersson and company to hold up their end of the bargain.
Elias Pettersson #40 of the Vancouver Canucks against the Toronto Maple Leafs at Scotiabank Arena on November 11, 2023.
Quinn Hughes’ future
Quinn Hughes has always shown love and respect for the organization that took him with the 7th overall pick in the 2018 NHL Draft. Still, the clock might be ticking on his time with the Canucks.
With two years left in his contract, if Vancouver doesn’t turn the tide, a move might be imminent. The New Jersey Devils simply make too much sense for Quinn, whose brothers Jack and Luke play for the contenders in Newark.
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“Maybe Vancouver surprises and has a huge bounce-back season that convinces their captain to stay. Feels unlikely to me, to be honest, but that’s their best-case scenario. Otherwise, they have to start contemplating what a blockbuster trade might look like and whether it’s all about futures,” The Athletic’s James Mirtle said.
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Needless to say, losing one of the best blueliners in the league would be catastrophic for Pettersson and the Canucks, who are hanging on by a thread to stay afloat in a Pacific Division that’s only getting tougher.
