The writing is on the wall for Bruce Boudreau with the Vancouver Canucks.
Despite going 50-38-13 overall in his time in Vancouver over the last two seasons, Boudreau is likely on his way out as head coach of the Canucks. Possibly as soon as this weekend, according to some NHL insiders.
The Canucks have been a dumpster fire in recent seasons, with the team currently sitting sixth in the Pacific Division with a 18-23-3 record that’s well out of the playoffs. However, Boudreau is not to blame for the Canucks current woes, which all stem from poor roster construction and misevaluated talent. That blame lays on the feet of previous general manager Jim Benning, current general manager Patrik Allvin, and current president of hockey operations Jim Rutherford.
With the Canucks underperforming this season, something has to change, and unfortunately for Boudreau, he’s likely set to be replaced by Rick Tocchet within the coming days. At a media availability on Friday, after missing morning skate earlier in the day, Boudreau got quite misty eyed when talking about what coaching in the NHL means for him. So much so that he ended the press conference early.
Bruce Boudreau got emotional this morning when asked what it means for him to coach in the NHL#Canucks pic.twitter.com/c940BthyXV
— Tim and Friends (@timandfriends) January 20, 2023
Talk about a classy response to an awful situation. NHL fans rallied around Boudreau in support of the Canucks head coach as rumors of his departure continue to swirl.
Canucks organization has made Boudreau miserable all season long. Seeing him here earlier this season sapped of all joy was so disheartening. Same can be said of Quinn Hughes as well. Supremely bad vibes all over. https://t.co/8mJHHvPMdh
— Joe Yerdon (@JoeYerdon) January 20, 2023
I know I have my bias, as Bruce is my friend, but the way Boudreau has been treated by VAN isn't right.
It didn't have to play out this way.
He deserves SO much better.And the fact he has been nothing but class this ENTIRE time tells you exactly how amazing a person he is. https://t.co/h79GksFjjb
— Jackie Redmond (@Jackie_Redmond) January 20, 2023
Have to feel for Boudreau. Regardless of how anyone feels about the quality of his coaching, his job status playing out this publicly just isn't right. The team should just do right by him. https://t.co/89wNH12DhW
— Shayna (@hayyyshayyy) January 20, 2023
Boudreau still showing tremendous class and restraint despite how this is crushing for him. https://t.co/19MXHg7a6H
— Jeff Marek (@JeffMarek) January 20, 2023
Makes me really sad to see that Boudreau is being treated this way. I don’t get why GMJR can’t just pull the plug. It’s not fair to Boudreau at all https://t.co/oow2NlH9w0
— Hunter (@HunterHodies) January 20, 2023
Definitely gotta feel for Bruce Boudreau here. Everyone knows what’s going on, he obviously does too. An official change is coming soon enough, but this could’ve been handled differently.
— David Pagnotta (@TheFourthPeriod) January 20, 2023
Bruce… I think I can speak for most #Canucks fans when I say, we love you. You deserve better. https://t.co/6fQx46Yg0Y
— Alece Anderson (@AleceAnderson) January 20, 2023
Bruce Boudreau has handled a very unfair situation with tremendous class. https://t.co/9JvpLtV651
— Caroline Cameron (@SNCaroline) January 20, 2023
Bruce has handled this with class every step of the way. He deserves better. https://t.co/RREadv83tG
— Jamison Coyle (@JamisonCoyle) January 20, 2023
