Adam Foote, who was fired as head coach of the Vancouver Canucks on May 19 after a single season at the helm, has quickly found a new role in the NHL. The Utah Mammoth named Foote as an assistant coach Monday morning on a multi-year deal. Contract terms were not disclosed.
Reunion with Tourigny
Foote and Utah head coach Andre Tourigny previously worked together on the Colorado Avalanche staff from 2013-2015, where Foote served as a development consultant and Tourigny as an assistant coach. The Mammoth also announced that Tourigny and assistant Blaine Forsythe had agreed to multi-year extensions.
Utah general manager Bill Armstrong said in a press release that Foote will “bring a fresh perspective to our room backed by years of experience as both a player and coach.”
Foote’s Coaching and Playing Background
Foote, 54, spent 2½ seasons as an assistant to Rick Tocchet with the Canucks before taking over as head coach last season. He oversaw the defencemen and the penalty kill for Tocchet, and he’s expected to do the same for Tourigny.
As a player, Foote was a defenceman in the NHL for 19 seasons, known for his rugged, stay-at-home game. He played for Team Canada in various tournaments, including winning a gold medal at the Salt Lake 2002 Olympic Games.
Foote’s close relationship with blue liner Quinn Hughes played a major role in Foote taking over the head coaching job last off-season. Hughes was traded to the Minnesota Wild after playing just 26 games last season with Vancouver.
Utah Mammoth’s Recent Performance
Utah finished 43-33-6 last season, grabbing the first of the two wild card playoff spots in the Western Conference. They lost in six games to the Vegas Golden Knights in the first round of the post-season.
The Mammoth finished 19th in the league on the penalty kill (78.1 per cent) and tied for 10th in fewest goals against (240) during the regular season.
They feature rearguard Mikhail Sergachev, 27, who was 14th amongst defencemen in scoring (10-49-59) and 16th in ice time (24:18 per game).
Foote’s New Role
Foote takes over the role handled last season by Mario Duhamel. The Deseret News reports Duhamel remains with the organization, and that he and the club are currently determining his duties going forward.
