Reports suggesting Evan Gold has been appointed as the new General Manager of the Vancouver Canucks are considered premature, according to NHL insider Elliotte Friedman. Ryan Johnson remains a strong candidate for the position.
Friedman clarified that while there have been earlier reports about Gold’s imminent appointment, he was advised that the situation is not yet finalized and it’s too early to declare him the next GM. The selection process is reportedly down to two finalists: Evan Gold and the current Canucks executive Ryan Johnson. Discussions have been held with both individuals regarding the GM role.
In related news, Henrik and Daniel Sedin are expected to assume a more significant role within the Vancouver Canucks organization. Friedman likened their potential influence to a model seen in Toronto, where a GM holds ultimate decision-making power, but a franchise legend like Mats Sundin provides crucial advisory input. Friedman expressed his approval of the Sedin twins taking on a greater responsibility, emphasizing their deep connection to the Canucks and viewing it as a positive development for the team.
He humorously dubbed this emerging leadership structure the “new Swedish system of NHL leadership,” highlighting the combination of a franchise icon from Sweden in an advisory capacity alongside a General Manager.