CANUCKS News & Rumors: Rutherford, Tockett, Hughes, Paterson, etc. – Hockey Writer – Vancouver Canucks

In this version of Vancouver Canaks News and Rumors, General Manager Patrik Allvin and President Jim Rutherford held the end-of-season media supply Monday morning and brought up some things. Topics include Elias Pettersson’s struggles, Quinn Hughes and Rick Tocchet’s future with the team, Tom Willlander’s entry-level contract status, whether Brock Boeser will enter the free agent institution or not. Let’s dive.

Karnak will try to expand Hughes. Rutherford suggests bringing Jack and Luke to Vancouver

One big topic that comes to mind for everyone since the New Jersey Devils selected Jack and Luke Hughes is whether Quinn would join the New Jersey brothers at the moment he became an unrestricted free agent (UFA). Well, that day is coming soon. His current (very budget-friendly) contract is still two years away, but he is eligible for a long-term extension on July 1, 2026. Rutherford said Canucks would have cap space to give him a profitable offer to stay in Vancouver, and he also said it might not only be the money, but who it is.

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“One thing we can be sure of is that we will have enough hat room to give him the contract he deserves. It’s one thing we can prepare. It probably won’t make money with him. He said that before he wanted to play with his brothers, he said that it would be our control if we brought his brother here. [I] Agreeing to this franchise 100% can’t lose someone like Quinn Hughes and we will do everything we can to keep him here. But at the end of the day, it would be his decision. ”

Yes, you read the right words, Rutherford suggests trying to get Jack and Luke Hughes from the Devil to keep the captain for a long time. That would be a sensational blockbuster, and since the possibility of tampering might not have been raised, Rutherford quickly realized, “Well, we have to be careful about tampering here, so we left. I might cross the line.”

Finally, Hughes is an important part of the Canucks and will be in the next two years. Hopefully, there are many years to go, as they will be able to replace him with zero chance.

Canucks won’t exercise options on Rick Tocchet’s contract

One of the first questions asked was about Tocchet, and whether he would be head coaching next season. Rutherford said they would not exercise team choices in the contract, but were currently in a long-term agreement with him. “I would doubt that sometime this week, he [Tocchet] Will make a decision…we hope he can get this contract and stay. ”

Despite performing with JT Miller and Elias Pettersson, Rutherford also praised Tocchet and the coaching staff throughout the season. He said Tocchet coached the same way as last season, with the only difference being that everything was right compared to this season, when everything went wrong, especially the level of their stars playing and the injuries the team suffered.

Pettersson and his drop from legal top center and 100-pointers to the boundary six players, especially as signing his average annual value (AAV) extension of $11.6 million, is the topic of conversation. It dominated Tocchet’s press and once again dominated during Rutherford and Alvin’s press. Until he is traded or stepped up and changes the narrative himself. Like Tocchet, they believe he can get back to this level – hopefully for the sake of fans next season – but changing his preparation and practice habits is up to him.

“He’s going to have to be a full player,” Rutherford said. “He’s going to have to work hard. I can give you some good news, it’s a small step, but he’s been working here every day for the last few days…so it’s a good sign. But he’s got to do it all summer.”

“We still believe what Elias has shown in Vancouver, as he showed, Elias has the ability to come back. I think that will take his game to the next level. It’s encouraging to see his determination and work ethics.”

Having said so much, Allvin said at the start of the move-free clause before July 1: “I will keep all the choices.”

Other news and notes

• It looks like more and more Willander will return to the NCAA in the 2025-26 season. Allvin said when he spoke to consultant Todd Diamond, he told him Willlander would return to school. Later, insider Rick Dhaliwal’s report did not rule out his quote from Diamond: “Our intention is/is to be a professional player, but if we don’t agree with the contract that Tom and his family are happy with, then returning to BU in the next few seasons, other situations will be possible.” One thing I’m going to say is that I’m not a fan of the last part and he can consider becoming a free agent and signing with another team’s La Adam Fox and Justin Schultz.
• Canucks plans to get Boeser into free agents. But if he didn’t get the kind of offer he wanted on July 1, they would be willing to hover backwards. However, the chances of this happening are slim, because I’m sure there’s at least one team that will give him more than he wants, salary and tenure. Basically, fans should prepare for new clues for next season to meet with the new thread.
• Practice facilities are not in the immediate future of the Karnak. Rutherford said it could be a long way to go because new buildings may have to be built.
• Allvin and Rutherford will seek to upgrade their position in the center ice during the offseason, but Allvin delays the notion that Pettersson cannot return to the top center. He also talked about Filip Chytil who might play a major role next season.
• However, these upgrades may not be done through free agency, as Rutherford said the trade market is where these high-end six centers live.