Clear signs coach Desjardins might be gone soon.

The Vancouver Canucks and head coach Willie Desjardins have had a tough season. With Desjardins three-year contract expiring this off-season, there’s a very good chance that the team and their bench boss part ways. 

Both team president Trevor Linden and general manager Jim Benning have stopped short of giving Desjardins the proverbial vote of confidence when asked about the situation, adding further steam to the rumours of his departure. The edict from Canucks management is that all aspects of the organization, including coaching, will be under review this summer.

If Desjardins is in fact on his way out in Vancouver, Ben Kuzma of The Province newspaper posits former St-Louis Blues head coach Ken Hitchcock as a possible replacement. Hitchcock has a history of getting the most out of his players, but often wears out his welcome in short order given his demanding coaching style.

One thing’s for sure, whoever is behind the bench for the Canucks next season will have their work cut out for them. The Canucks are currently in a race for the bottom of the standings and have lost three straight, including a 2-0 shutout last night to the Los Angeles Kings.