Of all the names linked to the Vancouver Canucks' open general manager position, only one candidate can truly say, "Been there, done that," while also fitting President Jim Rutherford's checklist and being known to ownership. That candidate is Laurence Gilman, currently vice-president of hockey operations for the Columbus Blue Jackets and former assistant general manager of the Canucks.
Familiarity with Vancouver
Gilman has worked in Vancouver before and knows the Aquilini family well. During his tenure, he handled all Canucks contracts and was known for treating ownership's money as his own, a trait appreciated by patriarch Luigi Aquilini. He witnessed firsthand the capricious nature of ownership during Mike Gillis's era, yet has maintained a cordial relationship with Francesco Aquilini since leaving. The Aquilini family would likely welcome a return to the stability Gilman provided.
Strong NHL Reputation
Gilman boasts a strong reputation around the league. After leaving Vancouver, he was hired by Kyle Dubas in May 2018 as an assistant general manager with the Toronto Maple Leafs, despite having no prior working relationship. Dubas valued Gilman's sharp hockey mind. More recently, Don Waddell brought Gilman to Columbus in January 2024 to help run the Blue Jackets, citing his intelligence and readiness to work.
Fan Credibility
Gilman has immense credibility with Vancouver's fan base. When hired by Mike Gillis in 2008 from the Phoenix Coyotes, he brought a lesson from the San Antonio Spurs: organizational quality matters. He believed that a first-class environment would attract and retain players, making players proud to be Canucks and fans proud to support them.
Fit with Rutherford's Vision
Gilman aligns with what Rutherford seeks: forward-thinking and data-driven decision-making. He is not part of the young new wave of hockey minds but has lived NHL experience, understanding how the league works and which numbers are useful. He is the type of person others want to work for, which is crucial for building a strong front office. Additionally, he could seamlessly transition into the president's role when Rutherford steps down, which he hinted might happen sooner rather than later.
If Mike Gillis is hired by the Maple Leafs as president, he might tap Gilman as GM in Toronto. However, if the Canucks make an offer before that materializes, Gilman may have no choice but to return and resume the job he did so well before it ended abruptly a decade ago.
