According to a report by Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman on May 12, 2026, there is growing momentum behind Ryan Johnson for the position of head of hockey operations for the Vancouver Canucks. Friedman made the statement during a segment on Hockey Night in Canada, citing sources familiar with the team's search.
Ryan Johnson, 49, is currently the general manager of the Canucks' American Hockey League affiliate, the Abbotsford Canucks. He has been with the organization since 2021, overseeing player development and the farm team's operations. Prior to that, Johnson played 11 seasons in the NHL as a defenseman for several teams, including the Canucks from 2009 to 2011.
The Canucks have been searching for a new head of hockey operations since parting ways with Jim Rutherford in early 2026. The team has not officially commented on the report, and no final decision has been announced as of this writing.
