The Vancouver Canucks’ hunt for their 13th general manager has taken several unexpected turns. Initially, the team cast a wide net, interviewing 15 to 20 candidates. There was also the brief consideration of Pierre Dorion. After missing out on the top draft lottery picks, Canucks president Jim Rutherford—who has led the search alongside a panel including ownership and business operations representatives—announced he would step down this summer, staying on in an advisory capacity.
Now, the process has narrowed considerably. A strict silence has settled over Rogers Arena, with the Canucks determined to control the announcement. As of Monday evening, The Athletic could only confirm that an announcement is expected this week, but no final decision on the new GM has been made. The two finalists are current Canucks assistant GM Ryan Johnson and Boston Bruins assistant GM Evan Gold.
Over the weekend, as first reported by Elliotte Friedman and Irfaan Gaffar, and confirmed by a source familiar with internal discussions, Henrik and Daniel Sedin have agreed to expand their roles within Vancouver’s hockey operations department. The exact nature of their new positions is still being negotiated. It could be a co-presidency similar to Keith Jones’s role in Philadelphia, or an advisory role akin to Mats Sundin’s recent involvement with the Toronto Maple Leafs.
This search marks a departure from the organization’s traditional approach. Conducting such a thorough process is a significant break from the past 20 years. The club, often drawn to big names, has instead settled on two young, up-and-coming assistant GMs in Gold and Johnson, which feels refreshingly businesslike and unglamorous. Additionally, owner Francesco Aquilini’s nephew, Dax Aquilini, has been actively participating in video interviews, signaling a notable organizational shift.
However, some familiar patterns have emerged. The brief rise of Pierre Dorion as a serious contender last week, followed by the organization backing down amid public outcry, was not confidence-inspiring. Similarly, turning to franchise legends like the Sedins during a crisis mirrors past moves—such as appointing Trevor Linden in 2014 after Mike Gillis was fired, or bringing in the Sedins in an advisory capacity in 2021 after a last-place finish.
Why the Sedins would take on this greater responsibility and scrutiny at such a low point is puzzling. They have a deep connection to the Canucks and the community, which may be the simple reason. They are hardworking, honorable, and bright, and their enhanced presence could benefit any enterprise. But the Canucks have a history of complicating fans’ relationships with franchise legends. Few have left with their reputation intact over the past two decades; those who have, like former coach Rick Tocchet, wisely chose to walk away.
This week will reveal the final structure and who emerges as the top hockey operations decision-maker. At a critical moment for the franchise, the Canucks are asking Henrik and Daniel to step up and change the team’s momentum from the executive suite.
Who is Evan Gold?
Gold, the longtime Bruins assistant GM, has spent two decades climbing the hockey operations ladder, starting with the Washington Capitals and then moving to Boston a decade ago. He holds a law degree from the University of Toronto and an MBA. He has worn many hats for the Bruins, from VP of legal affairs to assistant GM and GM of AHL Providence. He is highly regarded for his intelligence and responsiveness. One Eastern Conference executive told The Athletic that they would welcome him moving to the Western Conference in a top job—a strong compliment.
Gold’s background is in cap management, but he stands out for his hands-on approach to other aspects of the Bruins’ organization, similar to executives like Bill Zito and Julien BriseBois. He rebuilt and modernized Boston’s analytics department and influenced GM Don Sweeney’s use of data. He is a relentless worker, often seen at AHL rinks both as Providence’s GM and as a scout.
Constructive feedback notes that the Bruins’ AHL development record under Gold is weak; most top young players developed in the NHL, while prospects like Fabian Lysell and Matt Poitras stagnated. Others point out that while Gold interviews well, he has limited experience with the intense media scrutiny of a market like Vancouver. Handling a high-profile public role would be an adjustment. Also, while the Bruins had a remarkable season and made tough decisions during a 2025 tank, the front office is not generally seen as exceptionally creative or cutting-edge, though it’s hard to attribute that directly to Gold.
Overall, Gold’s resume is impressive. Like Johnson, he appears to be a sharp, modern executive worth betting on. It is only a matter of time before he lands a GM role, whether in Vancouver or elsewhere.
