According to a report from TSN Insider Bob McKenzie, the Vancouver Canucks are expected to hire Travis Green as the team’s new head coach. Green will replace Willie Desjardins who was let go by the club following a disappointing season where the Canucks finished with the second fewest points in the NHL. Green is the coach of the Canucks AHL affiliate, the Utica Comets, and considered one of the best up and coming coaching candidates in the hockey world.
VAN close to finalizing contract with Travis Green to be new head coach. Assuming no last-minute hiccups, announcement in next day or two.
— Bob McKenzie (@TSNBobMcKenzie) April 25, 2017
Report: Vancouver Canucks To Hire Travis Green as Head Coach
Green, 46, has spent the last four seasons at the helm of the Comets. This includes taking the team to the Calder Cup Final in 2015. Prior to being hired by the Canucks, he was the head coach of the Western Hockey League`s Portland Winter Hawks, taking them to a WHL title in 2012-13.
This season the Comets were 35-32-7, falling just three points short of the final playoff spot in the AHL North Division. The battle with the St. John`s Ice Caps came down to the final game of the regular season for the two clubs, with the Comets needing to win, and see the Ice Caps lose in regulation on that final night.
Green spent 16 years in the NHL, playing for the New York Islanders, Anaheim Ducks, Arizona Coyotes, Toronto Maple Leafs and Boston Bruins. He scored 193 goals and 262 assists for 455 points over 970 career NHL games.
The Canucks have missed the playoffs each of the last two seasons. In 2014-15, Desjardins first year as head coach, they were defeated in the first round by the Calgary Flames. Green will now face the task of turning the club around and bringing in better results.
Main Photo:
TORONTO, ON – NOVEMBER 26: Head coach Travis Green of the Utica Comets watches the play against the Toronto Marlies during game action on November 26, 2016 at Air Canada Centre in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. (Photo by Graig Abel/Getty Images)
