Canucks Rumors: Sweeping Changes Expected If Vancouver Stumbles Early
.jpg "Vancouver Canucks players celebrate a goal during 2025 game.")
Patrick Johnston of The Province reports that if the team struggles out of the gate, ownership could make front office changes as early as Christmas. That puts both president of hockey operations Jim Rutherford and general manager Patrik Allvin firmly on the hot seat after last year’s disappointing finish.
Could Ryan Johnson Be Next in Line?
While Allvin made notable offseason moves, bringing in Evander Kane, re-signing Brock Boeser, and trading away Dakota Joshua and Arturs Silovs, the club still lacks the second-line center they’ve been chasing.
If results don’t improve, assistant GM Ryan Johnson could emerge as a replacement. Johnston notes Johnson’s rise within the organization, including his work building the Calder Cup–winning Abbotsford Canucks roster. League insiders also see him as a strong candidate for an NHL GM role in the near future.
Patrick Johnston:
— Grady Sas (@GradySas) September 13, 2025
“‘If this team struggles out of the gate, by Christmas there will be management changes,’ my source predicted.”
PJ also mentioned that Ryan Johnson’s next promotion will be to GM, whether that’s in VAN or elsewhere. #Canucks https://t.co/S1Kte1y4RE
Make-or-Break Start for Vancouver
The Canucks have only reached the playoffs once since Allvin and Rutherford took over in 2021-22, and last year’s collapse was punctuated by Elias Pettersson’s struggles and the controversial trade of J.T. Miller.
Ownership expects this roster to be playoff-caliber, and patience appears thin. If Vancouver can’t turn early-season momentum into wins, management shakeups may be inevitable.
Photo Credit: Bob Frid-Imagn Images
