Could Patrik Allvin’s fate with the Canucks be dependent on the lottery results?
The Vancouver Canucks are entering the NHL Draft Lottery with the best odds at the first overall selection, an honor they have never held since entering the NHL in 1970. That Draft Lottery could define more than just a pick, though, as it could influence moves across the hockey club’s front office.
While president of hockey operations Jim Rutherford is likely to return in 2026-27, questions continue to swirl about the status of general manager Patrik Allvin and what the future could hold for him and the Canucks.
On a recent episode of Daily Faceoff LIVE, co-hosts Tyler Yaremchuk and Carter Hutton were joined by NHL insider David Pagnotta from The Fourth Period to discuss the situation in Vancouver.
Tyler Yaremchuk: If changes are to happen in Vancouver, is any of it dependent on the way the lottery balls fall for them? If [Abbotsford Canucks] GM Ryan Johnson were to take over, is it GM? Are we talking about Jim Rutherford’s job being in jeopardy? What’s the read on Vancouver?
David Pagnotta: I think Rutherford sticks around for at least one more season…the chatter has been that Allvin might be on the outs, or at least out from the GM position. There’s talk in Vancouver that he might get reassigned or get a different position just under Rutherford, and that a new GM could come in, potentially Ryan Johnson.
There were reports this week that the Nashville Predators sought permission to speak with Johnson and were denied. So typically, when that happens, the current team has a good indication of what they’re going to do.
Obviously, things change, but as of today, from what I’ve been hearing, it sounds like Rutherford sticks around. Allvin is kind of the bubble, and Johnson is sticking around in some capacity. As for the coach there, I still believe Adam Foote sticks around. He’s got two more years left on his deal, and the whole coaching staff has two more years left on their contracts after this season. I’d be surprised if they made a move at the head-coaching position, even with Manny Malhotra already serving as the AHL head coach.
You can catch the rest of Pagnotta’s insights and the full episode right here…