The Vancouver Canucks have moved to in-person interviews in their search for a new general manager, but there is still no timeline for a decision, Postmedia has learned. Despite buzz around former Ottawa Senators GM Pierre Dorion, who interviewed with the club last week, the process remains ongoing.
Dorion Makes Strong Impression
Dorion, whose tenure in Ottawa began with a bang as the Senators reached the Eastern Conference final in 2016-17, left a positive impression during his interview. Word of his candidacy spread around the league, with ESPN's Greg Wyshynski telling Sportsnet 650 that the Canucks appeared to be trending toward Dorion. However, Wyshynski cautioned that no final decision has been made.
"The NHL is an echo chamber, OK? So when this started to float around yesterday, I talked to some people, they all kinda think it's trending in that direction," Wyshynski said. "It doesn't mean there's pen-on-paper, it doesn't mean he's getting the job, but that's kind of the vibe around the league right now."
He added: "Don't hit the panic button because it's not done, but that's kind of the perception right now for people who are kinda finger-on-the-pulse on this sort of thing."
No Timeline for Decision
A source confirmed to Postmedia that there is "no timeline" for when a general manager will be announced. Canucks president Jim Rutherford is expected to speak Tuesday after the NHL Draft Lottery, but he has been hesitant to discuss specific candidates, even privately.
As of the weekend, other known candidates include:
- Evan Gold and Jamie Langenbrunner, both assistant general managers for the Boston Bruins
- Jeff Tambellini, former Canuck and current assistant GM for the Tampa Bay Lightning
- Brad Pascall, assistant GM for the Calgary Flames and son of former BCTV sports anchor Bernie Pascall
- Brent Peterson, assistant GM for the Florida Panthers
- Kevyn Adams, former Buffalo Sabres GM
Toronto Maple Leafs senior adviser Shane Doan was also believed to be a strong candidate, but word suggests he is no longer under consideration.
Rutherford is expected to provide more clarity on the search after the draft lottery, though he has remained tight-lipped about specific names. The Canucks continue to evaluate their options as they seek to fill the crucial role.
