Ed Szczepanski-USA TODAY Sports
The Vancouver Canucks made the move that many were expecting them to, as long as their Stanley Cup Playoff journey ended in anything but a Cup title. After being swept in the first round, and losing eight of their last nine playoff games overall, the head coach finally paid the price.
Alain Vigneault was sacked as head coach of the Canucks not long after they were swept out of the first round. With a team that has dominated their division, and taken a couple of Presidents Trophies, over the past several years, this is seen as a job that had to be attractive for prospective head coaches.
But to this point, Mike Gillis and the Vancouver front office has yet to hire a coach. We have an idea of who they might like behind the bench, and who has been in for interviews, but the front office continues to drag their feet. With less than a month to go before free agency rolls around, one would have to imagine an announcement is on the horizon.
We know that ownership wants Dave Tippett. But we also know that Dallas Eakins has been in for two interviews and is the hottest name out on the coaching market. Glen Gulutzan was also called in for an interview. Gillis has said that he’ll likely interview four or five candidates.
But it might be time for the Canucks to pick up the pace a bit in this coaching search. There are at least two other clubs, like the New York Rangers and Dallas Stars, that also appear attractive to prospective coaches. They’re not the only good looking job here. If they want to secure the best candidate, they might want to pick up the pace.
