The Vancouver Canucks are exploring innovative options to fill their assistant coaching vacancies, and former Seattle Kraken assistant coach Jessica Campbell has emerged as a potential candidate. General manager Ryan Johnson, who recently dismissed assistants Kevin Dean, Brent McLean, and Scott Young on May 19, is open to unconventional hires.
Interest in Campbell
Reports surfaced Wednesday that the Canucks may have interest in Campbell, 33, who spent the last two seasons with the Kraken. Johnson confirmed discussions with Manny Malhotra about completing the staff. "Finishing the staff is something Manny and I will discuss to see if there's an experience component that may help," Johnson said. "It is an absolute? No. We've got to go through candidates for the best people and do they fit in with the alignment and be on board with the rest of us, that are very committed with how patient we have to be."
Campbell's Background
Campbell, a native of Moosomin, Saskatchewan, is a former national team player who retired in 2017 and transitioned into coaching. She coached at the high school level and launched her own coaching business, attracting notable clients such as NHL players Tyson Jost and Joel Edmundson, as well as Olympic gold medalist Natalie Spooner. In 2021, she served as an assistant coach for the Nurnberg Ice Tigers and for Germany at the men's world hockey championship. She later became an AHL assistant with the Coachella Valley Firebirds, where Johnson became familiar with her work.
In 2024, Campbell made history as the first female assistant coach behind an NHL bench when she was hired by the Seattle Kraken. On April 30, Seattle announced her departure after her contract expired, citing other NHL opportunities.
Rebuilding Focus
With the Canucks undergoing a roster rebuild emphasizing teaching, Campbell's experience in player development makes her an intriguing candidate. Johnson emphasizes the importance of finding the right fit for the team's alignment and patience-driven approach.
