Don’t fire footte: He might be the new voice the Ganaks need – Hockey writer – Vancouver Canucks

The Vancouver Canucks this week by promoting Adam Foote to head coach, which is just the 22nd place in franchise history. While the move is not surprising to people within the organization, fans’ reactions are even more mixed. Most of the doubts seem to be less and less around Foote, more around the shadows he inherited, most notably the shadows of Rick Tocchet, who acted as an assistant.

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But here is the key question: Shouldn’t Foote allow Foote to establish its own identity behind the bench? This is exactly what Halford and Brought discuss, as Canucks promote Foote to the club’s next head coach. Although they know the mixed reactions of the fan base, they also know that he should have a fresh start before he gets fired.

When the team’s general manager Patrick Allvin announced his employment, the official statement highlighted Foot’s strong relationship in the room and his clear plan for structure and accountability. Halford and Brought responded to Allvin’s comment that Foote “knows the group better than anyone else.”

Allvin also highlighted Foote’s work behind the scenes during a turbulent year. He added that Foote has put forward a vision for the team’s appearance and feel next season until there is a commitment to the upcoming roster. That is not the trust of people who only give warmth to others. Logic shows that a person with a pulse is in this team, but it is also a bit likely to be at its best outside to make the change that is urgently needed.

Related: Canucks chart new courses under Foote

Still, a wave of doubts emerged, mainly because some fans believed that the promotion was a status quo that continued to fail to achieve results. As a frustrated text from Halford & Brought’s morning show says: “I’m tired of Adam Foote’s wrong move.”

That listener Gary wasn’t alone urging to stop before judging the employment. “If you talk about giving someone a fair shake and clean slate that he isn’t getting it right now, that’s bad for him,” said co-host Mike Halford.

What is that: Why is this important for the Canucks?

Foot took over a team in crisis. The Canucks have a poor performance, a hindrance in combat, and seemed to have lost last season. But just because Foote is there doesn’t mean he’s the messy architect. He is the assistant, not the driver. People like Halford and Brought are arguing that Foote should be judged based on what he is doing now, not what happens when supporting someone else’s system.

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There are signs that he is bringing something new. He reportedly emphasized not only the structure, but the process—a sign that he focused on how the Ganaks developed habits, not just how they lined up. His promotion is not automatic either. He interviewed the job and developed a clear plan that the front desk found compelling.

Now: This leaves the Ganak

Everyone’s eyes are on the offseason. If Foote really becomes his coach, that starts with how he helps shape the roster. Expect his views to influence which players play, go or play new roles. Elias Pettersson will still have to improve his game – not changing there – but Foot may bring a different tone to convey the message.

Let’s assume Quinn Hughes, though young, is also as smart as he seems. If he supports Foote’s recruitment (as suggested), there must be a good reason. Now, the team has two people on the same page – Foot and Hughes – moving forward. They need a chance to pull it together. For those who quickly came to the conclusion, Quinn would jump to the New Jersey Devils playing with the Luke and Jack Brothers, and the real leader would leave the thing he helped build so quickly?

The Canucks don’t need miracles. They need consistency, discipline, and coaches who can restore confidence without reclaiming past. That was the opportunity in front of Furt. The truth is that even though Jack Adams won Tocchet’s coach, the team was in turmoil. Despite all his leadership skills and praise, the most important thing is that Tocchet can’t solve the problem.

If Foote can use his high-level experience and good relationship presence to restore relationships, he can greatly help the team grow into something that can be done.

Related: Vancouver Canucks’ Emotional Platform: Rick Tocchet’s Biggest Focus

Fans’ suspicion is understandable – the franchise has demanded so much over the years that it has barely communicated. However, disbanding Foote is ignored, ignoring the much-needed shifts that may be in the system but in the voice and tone. He should have the opportunity to lead the team and judge what he does based on his own chances, not the luggage of those who are in front of him.

If the Canucks make a serious turn, fans should seriously consider giving Adam Foote a room to bring the steering wheel.