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The Vancouver Canucks have named Daniel and Henrik Sedin as co-presidents of the team, with Ryan Johnson appointed as the new general manager. Team owner Francesco Aquilini made the announcement Thursday, praising all three hires as key steps toward the franchise’s future.
“This is a very important day for our organization and marks a significant step in guiding the future direction of our hockey team,” Aquilini said, declining to take questions.
The new leadership faces the challenge of rebuilding a team that finished last in the NHL and has experienced considerable turmoil and locker room issues in recent seasons. Their message emphasized creating a sustainable winning culture based on preparation, professionalism, and commitment.
Johnson, the new GM, acknowledged the difficulty ahead, stressing a careful, methodical rebuild focused on drafting and developing prospects. “We’re not going to race through it. We need to be strategic,” he said.
In a 45-minute session with the media, the trio addressed several topics. Johnson remained non-committal on the future of head coach Adam Foote, citing the challenges of last season’s injuries and turmoil in evaluating his performance. The Sedins reassured there would be no ownership interference in hockey decisions, affirming they have “100 per cent autonomy.”
When asked about $93 million forward Elias Pettersson’s recent underperformance, Johnson expressed hope Pettersson will come to training camp ready and with a “clean slate.” Henrik Sedin also revealed the club is “getting close” to securing a dedicated training facility, something all other NHL teams already have.
The Sedin twins also pledged to increase the team’s involvement in the community, echoing their approach as former players.
The twins bring a strong reputation as role models and are the most prolific scorers in Canucks history. Before this promotion, they spent four years as development coaches within the organization. Johnson, 49, earned the GM role over Boston Bruins assistant GM Evan Gold, after 13 years rising through the Canucks’ ranks, most recently serving as GM of their AHL affiliate, the Abbotsford Canucks, who won the 2025 Calder Cup.
Vancouver is coming off one of its worst seasons ever, finishing with a record of 25-49-8. This performance led to the firing of former GM Patrik Allvin, and the recent resignation of Jim Rutherford as president of hockey operations, who has moved to an advisory role.
At 45, the Sedin twins and Johnson are new to NHL front office leadership but bring deep ties to the organization as they seek to lead a new chapter for the Canucks.
