In this edition of the Vancouver Canucks News & Rumors, head coach Rick Tocchet wins the Jack Adams Award. Meanwhile, an update on multiple Canucks free agents, including Elias Lindholm. Also, an update on Elias Pettersson and other injured Canucks.
Tocchet Wins the Jack Adams Award
The NHL announced Tocchet won the Jack Adams Award on May 22. The head coach turned the team around in his first full season in Vancouver. After missing the playoffs for three seasons, the Canucks won the Pacific Division thanks to their 50-23-9 record and made it to the second round of the Stanley Cup playoffs.
“It’s an organizational award,” Tocchet said. “I mean, I had a lot of help. My staff was incredible. Obviously, the Aquilini family. (President of hockey operations) Jim [Rutherford] and (general manager) Patrik [Allvin], [the] management team and their staff. Walking into this, I had a lot of help. A lot of buy-in from the players … right from Day One. They believed in the staff, and we believed in them.”
Tocchet beat out Nashville Predators head coach Andrew Brunette and Winnipeg Jets head coach Rick Bowness for the award. He won the award with 483 points compared to second place Brunette’s 145. Tocchet and the Canucks’ successful season could be the start of something positive in Vancouver.
“They put respect back to this city and this jersey. Let’s face it,” Tocchet said. “Fans have got something to be proud about and it’s all because of the players.”
Tocchet isn’t the only member of the Canucks who was up for an award this year. Quinn Hughes is the front-runner for the Norris Trophy, while Thatcher Demko is a Vezina Trophy nominee and general manager Patrik Allvin is up for the Jim Gregory General Manager of the Year Award.
Unrestricted Free Agent Update: Lindholm, Zadorov, Joshua & More
The Canucks have nine unrestricted free agents and two restricted free agents this offseason. The Athletic’s Rick Dhaliwal and Thomas Drance said the organization is prioritizing size and scoring this offseason (from ‘What we’re hearing about the Canucks’ offseason priorities,’ The Athletic, May 22, 2024).
Nikita Zaodorv, Tyler Myers and Dakota Joshua played a significant role in the physical department for the Canucks, but all three are UFAs. Joshua is considered a top priority for the club. Zadorov and Joshua have earned…
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