Vancouver Canucks fans are eagerly awaiting the result of two big topics surrounding the team. One, the fate of the 2026 NHL Draft Lottery on Tuesday. Two, the result of the general manager search. Today’s NHL rumours surround the latest news around the GM search, which includes three names that are reportedly off the list.
NHL Rumours and Who Remains in the GM Search
Rumour: According to Elliotte Friedman of Sportsnet, on the 32 Thoughts Podcast, three people are out of the GM search. Patrick Burke, vice president of NHL Player Safety, former Carolina Hurricanes scout Ray Whitney, and New York Rangers associate GM Ryan Martin have reportedly been told they are out. Rick Dhaliwal of Donnie & Dhali also reported numerous new names that are strong candidates in the process so far.
Credit Image: © Kostas Lymperopoulos/Cal Sport Media
Analysis: This raises the question of whether the Canucks will promote Ryan Johnson internally, hire a former GM with experience, or hire an associate from another team. How the candidates think of the upcoming draft, as well as their future outlook, will prove critical in this hire.
With the 2026 NHL Entry Draft less than two months away, Jim Rutherford and ownership will need to make a decision soon. Reportedly, they have spoken with around 15 candidates for the job. Rick Dhaliwal of Donnie & Dhali reported on Thursday that Brad Pascall (assistant GM of the Calgary Flames), Jamie Langenbrunner (assistant GM of the Boston Bruins), and former Canuck Jeff Tambellini (assistant GM of the Tampa Bay Lightning) have been interviewed. Furthermore, Evan Gold (also the assistant GM of the Boston Bruins) and the aforementioned Langenbrunner could get second interviews.
Other names still in the mix include Canucks assistant GM Ryan Johnson, Toronto Maple Leafs assistant GM Shane Doan, former Buffalo Sabres GM Kevyn Adams, Florida Panthers assistant GM Brett Peterson, and Edmonton Oilers assistant GM Bill Scott. As Friedman mentioned, Doan and Gold are a couple of the more likely of the remaining candidates.
"From what I understand, do not be surprised if Gold and Langenbrunner get second interviews.."@DonTaylor5 and @DhaliwalSports update the list of names connected to the #Canucks GM search, discuss who is doing the interviews, and some of what the candidates are being asked.… pic.twitter.com/DFaxt2tc2S
— Donnie & Dhali (@DonnieandDhali) April 30, 2026
How is Canucks Management and Ownership Evaluating Candidates?
Friedman has also reported that management asked candidates a number of important questions. This includes how long the rebuild should take, how they rank the top three players in the upcoming NHL Draft, and their thoughts on current Canucks head coach Adam Foote. These questions are definitely the most pressing ones for this offseason and beyond. It will influence the decisions made in this process.
Friedman also mentioned that he believes that Rutherford’s GM choice would have been Ryan Johnson. However, it has been reported that owner Francesco Aquilini and business operations president Michael Doyle have their own candidate lists. Doing due diligence is critical to the team’s future, so conducting this process can be helpful. It helps the team understand how the league views their club and helps provide varying perspectives.
In-person interviews have yet to be conducted, and the hiring is expected to take place after that. Stay tuned as the critical Vancouver Canuck GM search continues.
Main Photo Credit: Bob Frid-Imagn Images
