Around a month ago, the Vancouver Canucks parted ways with former head coach Rick Tocchet. Two weeks later, the organization announced that assistant coach Adam Foote would be stepping into Tocchet’s role. Many members of the organization have expressed their approval over the hire, including Canucks forward Conor Garland. The Team USA forward, who recently won gold at the 2025 IIHF World Championship, joined “Canucks Brunch” on Sportsnet 650 to discuss the team’s new coach, as well as what the team may look like come the 2025–26 season.
Latest From THN’s Vancouver Canucks Site:
Vancouver Canucks 2025 NHL Draft Target: Vít Záhejský
Wolanin Scores Overtime Winner As The Abbotsford Canucks Defeat The Texas Stars 3-2 In Game 1
Why The Canucks Should Not Consider Signing Jonathan Toews This Off-Season
“I really loved having him as an assistant, he’s a really good hockey mind, very smart. Won the cup as a player twice, won a gold medal,” Garland said of Foote being named the 22nd head coach in Canucks franchise history. “So exciting to have as a head. I know our group and our core pieces and leadership are excited about it.”
When asked about how the team’s systems play may differ under Foote as opposed to how they looked with Tocchet as their head coach, Garland didn’t quite commit to an answer. The team is still in the early stages of the off-season and will still have to get through the 2025 NHL Draft, free agent frenzy, and development camp before they have a decent idea of what the team will look like in October.
“I know that talking to guys, you know, that we were one of the harder teams to play against. People don’t enjoy playing against us, we’ve got a big D-core, two really good goalies, forwards that play in your face,” Garland noted in the interview. “Obviously we have to produce a lot more offence up front, and I’m one of those guys who have to do that, but you know, we can stick to our staples and how hard we defend and how hard we protect our house.”
Vancouver Canucks Forward Conor Garland Speaks On 2025 IIHF World Championship Gold Medal Win
<a href="https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/vancouver-canucks">Vancouver Canucks</a> forwards Conor Garland and Drew O’Connor made history last Sunday, helping Team USA to their first IIHF World Championship gold medal since 1933 with a 1–0 win against Switzerland. This was Garland’s third IIHF World Championship and his second medal, as he won bronze in 2021. Earlier today, he joined <a href="https://www.sportsnet.ca/650/">Sportsnet 650</a>’s “Canucks Brunch” to talk about his experience at the tournament.
One thing that has been on the mind of many Canucks fans is the fact that Garland’s contract with Vancouver expires at the end of the 2025–26 season. The forward has been with the Canucks since 2021 and has been outspoken about how much he likes the city.
“I really like playing in Vancouver, it’s been a great spot,” he said. “I’ve enjoyed my time here. I love the city. I love what I’m able to do in the city.”
Make sure you bookmark THN's Vancouver Canucks site and add us to your favourites on Google News for the latest news, exclusive interviews, breakdowns, and so much more. Also, be sure to leave a comment at the bottom of the page and engage with other passionate fans through our forum.
