Trouble in Vancouver as team President avoids questions about head coach; Canucks appear ''open for business''
The Vancouver Canucks had the worst start to the season out of the entire league this year, but it also has been the worst start in the franchise's history. As of right now, they're 3-6-3. Their first seven games were winless, but those three wins have them in 6th place in the Pacific Division with 9 points total.
It's safe to say this hasn't been the start that anyone who plays, works or cheers for the Canucks has wanted. The team's president, Jim Rutherford, has spoken out again about his frustrations with the situation on the Canucks Central podcast, but this time even pointed some fingers to blame.
Bruce Boudreau, Patrik Allvin and Rutherford were brought into Vancouver last winter after Travis Green and Jim Benning were fired from their respective coaching and managerial positions. Since then, things have not been smooth.
Among the things that caught the attention of the media was when Rutherford was asked whether or not he felt as though Bruce Boudreau was the right man for the job in Vancouver. Rutherford did not give Boudreau any sort of a nod whatsoever. Instead, he diverted attention to the players.
-Rutherford on accountability in the room
The Canucks missed the playoffs and spent the summer prepping for this season, but nothing the Canucks have done seems to have pleased Rutherford. During the interview, he even said he didn't like how the team looked during training camp and how they looked the same. He didn't hold back on his feelings of being dissatisfied one bit.
Rutherford also mentioned not wanting to sign guys in their 30s and clearing out big contracts for cap space. However, that might be a tricky plan to stick to with the seven-year, $56 million contract signed by J.T Miller this offseason while captain Bo Horvat is a pending UFA. As DFO's Frank Seravalli pointed out on Monday, the team is entirely open for business.
The Canucks have a tough road trip starting this week, with stops in Ottawa, Montreal, Toronto, Boston and Buffalo before returning to Vancouver. A collection of points during this trip is crucial for the team, but it won't be easy to achieve. However, with the return of Brock Boeser on the horizon and some potential line changes, the team may gain some traction.
You can listen to Rutherford's entire interview with Canucks Central here:
https://open.spotify.com/episode/08tP5Z9HxnxU7tfp34fYWd?si=fiQnLmeFSbSr5EbX5eEwsQ
| POLL | ||
NOVEMBRE 8 | 118 ANSWERS Trouble in Vancouver as team President avoids questions about head coach; Canucks appear ''open for business'' Will Bruce Boudreau be fired in Vancouver? | ||
| Yes | 82 | 69.5 % |
| No | 36 | 30.5 % |
| List of polls | ||
