The Vancouver Canucks officially announced on Thursday that Hockey Hall of Famers Henrik and Daniel Sedin have been appointed co-presidents of the organization, while Ryan Johnson has been named the 13th general manager in franchise history. The moves signal a new era focused on culture and accountability for the NHL's last-place team.
During a press conference at Rogers Arena, the Sedins emphasized that respect and culture are foundational to the rebuild. "Culture is huge and the main thing to fall back on. You cannot live without it. That's impossible. You cannot be sustainable without it," Henrik Sedin said. "We have a clear vision. To be a Vancouver Canuck, you have to be fiercely committed to making this one of the leading organizations."
Building a Winning Environment
The Sedins, who previously worked in player development, will now oversee hockey operations alongside Johnson. Daniel Sedin outlined three core values: connected, committed, and purpose. "Every successful team we've been a part of had values and cornerstones. It could answer questions: Why are we here? And what do we stand for?" he said.
Outgoing president Jim Rutherford expressed confidence in the new leadership. "These are three men very well prepared for the positions and know what has happened here over a number of years. They're in a very good place to be successful," Rutherford said.
Addressing Past Issues
The Canucks have struggled with locker room discord in recent seasons, including a rift between J.T. Miller and Elias Pettersson that led to Miller's trade. Quinn Hughes' contract uncertainty also created division. Johnson stressed the need for a safe environment where players can improve and make mistakes. "We're not going to race through this and we're going to be very strategic with what we do," he said.
Forward Max Sasson noted that the room improved late in the season. "You want to go in there with a smile and comfortability of being able to be yourself. Having people around you that want you to succeed and you want them to succeed," he said.
Sedins' Influence on Rookies
The Sedins have a history of mentoring young players. In 2015-16, they guided rookies Jake Virtanen and Jared McCann, challenging them without berating them. Daniel Sedin recalled, "You forget that they are 19 years old, but we expect so much from them. There's still a maturity level that needs to be there on a daily basis."
McCann, now a star with the Seattle Kraken, credited Daniel Sedin as a role model. "He's the perfect human. Everything he does on and off the ice, he does it so well. He's a leader," McCann said.
The Canucks hope the Sedins' leadership will foster a sustainable culture that attracts free agents and wins trades. As Henrik Sedin put it, "You will win a lot of the trades you make. And you will bring in free agents to perform the way you expect."
