Jeff Vinick/NHLI via Getty Images
Longtime NHL head coach Bruce Boudreau has struggled to reach the pinnacle of Stanley Cup wins, but his resume as a bench boss is undeniably impressive. A former NHL bench coach with his 617 wins, the 20th most in NHL history alongside his boss Jacques Lemaire, he’s proven to be a winner wherever he goes. But his situation in Vancouver as Canucks head coach is far from positive.
Boudreau, who was hired by the Canucks for 25 games in the 2021-22 season after an 8-15-2 start under former bench boss Travis Green, led Vancouver to a 32-15-10 record in the regular season. He led them to the finish with an overall record of 40-30-12. In 2022-23, Boudreau’s Remaining Canucks struggled, and he is now 18-23-3, sitting sixth in the Pacific Division.
The Canucks’ struggles rightfully put Boudreau in the spotlight, but the roster was poorly composed and the front office (i.e. former general manager Jim Benning, current GM Patrick Allbin, team president A no-confidence vote by Jim Rutherford has also attracted attention. It contributed to the team’s inability to play the winning brand of hockey.
Earlier in the week, Rutherford addressed rumors about team struggles and changes behind the bench, but his comments were anything but encouraging:
“All I can say is that Bruce is our coach now. I don’t even know that you want
After a morning skate in Vancouver today, Boudreau dealt with the clouds hanging overhead and it was clear the gravity of the situation was on the veteran bench boss’s mind. I don’t understand what is going on. But like I said before, you come to work and you realize how great the game is..’, before pausing to end the press conference, what it means to be an NHL head After being overwhelmed with emotion when asked .coach.
Bruce Boudreau got emotional this morning when asked what it means to coach in the NHL#Canucks pic.twitter.com/c940BthyXV
— Tim and Friends (@timandfriends) January 20, 2023
The man, affectionately known as “Gabby,” went 50-38-13 (.559 points percentage) in 101 games behind the Canucks’ bench, and after the morning’s skating press conference, fans, former players, Critics and others posted on social media. To defend Boudreau, who is widely respected in the world of hockey, and his situation in Vancouver.
I say it again… The fact that Vancouver hasn’t fired Boudreau and has him trotting down to answer questions every day is a complete disgrace. Zero respect for a man who has been in the game for 40 years pic.twitter.com/qFWdAO5h7q
— Ryan Whitney (@ryanwhitney6) January 20, 2023
Somewhat ironically, the now completely desiccated Bruce Boudreau is doing his media availability in front of a hockey-talk backdrop where the organization has committed to aggressive mental health efforts. You cannot write something like this. #Canucks pic.twitter.com/9bXPsBVzp6
— Rob Fai (@RobFai) January 20, 2023
two #Canucks Thoughts on this incredible mess:
1) Where is Alvin? It’s clear he’s not in charge of much here.
2) The treatment of Boudreau is pathetic, Rutherford should know better. Non-professionals don’t even scratch the surface. I hope you hear “Bruce there it is” tonight.— Brad Rihela (@BRihela) January 21, 2023
🔥”What Jim Rutherford is doing to Bruce Boudreau is deplorable and has been going on since last spring..”🧨@Craig J Button On treatment of Bruce Boudreau #Canucks President Jim Rutherford.
Full interview coming soon. pic.twitter.com/1U3W291GK3
— Donnie and Dali (@DonnieandDhali) January 17, 2023
How the Canucks are currently treating Bruce Boudreau is reprehensible. He deserves so much more than hanging like this.
— Andrew Patterson (@hustlerama) January 20, 2023
The team I grew up with and fell in love with is embarrassing, the abuse and lack of respect for Boudreau is appalling. Gone are the days when this franchise was respected and held accountable. Pat Quinn will be fed up. They’ll have to tear it down and start over to free the damn skates!
— Peter (@Peteisneat) January 15, 2023
The Canucks will host the Colorado Avalanche in Vancouver tonight and will face the Edmonton Oilers and Chicago Blackhawks over the next two days. The 68-year-old Boudreau, who had earlier stops in Minnesota and Anaheim after starting his four-season career in Washington, beat his predecessor Glenn Hanlon (he was one of his NHL’s best). won the Jacks Adam Award as a coach). Additionally, he won his Calder his Cup in 2006 with the Hershey Bears.
Michael Fleetwood
Read more:
Renaissance Run: 15 years ago today, Bruce Boudreau named 14th head coach in franchise history
Bruce Boudreau looks back on 9/11 and how a last-minute flight change saved his life
Bruce, there it is!Former Capitals head coach Bruce Boudreau to coach in his 1,000th career NHL game
Canucks fire bench boss Travis Green, hire former Capitals head coach Bruce Boudreau to replace him
