The Sedin Twins Return to Save the Canucks as Co-Presidents of Hockey Operations

Vancouver's most iconic duo is back, but this time they are trading in their sticks for executive suits. Henrik and Daniel Sedin have been named co-presidents of hockey operations for the Canucks, marking a dramatic leadership overhaul for a franchise that finished dead last in the NHL standings during the 2025-26 season. Their first major move? Promoting Ryan Johnson to the role of general manager.

The appointment of the Sedin twins represents a bet on franchise loyalty and institutional knowledge at a time when the organization desperately needs both. After capturing the Pacific Division title with a stellar 50-23-9 record in 2023-24 and pushing the Edmonton Oilers to seven games in the second round of the Western Conference playoffs, Vancouver's decline has been swift and painful. The Canucks missed the postseason in each of the last two campaigns, bottoming out with a dismal 25-49-8 record this past season.

Legends Step Into the Front Office

Few players in Canucks history carry the weight that Daniel and Henrik Sedin do. Selected second and third overall in the 1999 NHL Draft, the twin brothers spent 17 seasons together in Vancouver from 2000 to 2018, becoming the franchise's all-time leaders in virtually every major offensive category. Henrik tops the club's record books in games played (1,330), points (1,070), and assists (830), while Daniel holds the franchise record for goals (393) and ranks second in both assists (648) and points (1,041). Both were inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 2022.

Their transition into management had been building quietly, and now they inherit a team in the midst of a significant rebuild. The Canucks executed a series of blockbuster trades during the 2025-26 season that reshaped the roster entirely. The most notable deal came on December 12, when Vancouver shipped captain and star defenseman Quinn Hughes to the Minnesota Wild in exchange for forwards Marco Rossi and Liam Ohgren, defenseman Zeev Buium, and a 2026 first-round pick. Additional moves ahead of the March 6 trade deadline saw Conor Garland sent to Columbus, Tyler Myers dealt to Dallas, and David Kampf moved to Washington, all in exchange for future draft picks.

The Sedins also inherit a promising draft position. Vancouver secured the third overall selection in the upcoming draft following the May 5 lottery, and they hold Minnesota's first-round pick as well, giving the new leadership group significant ammunition to accelerate a rebuild.

A New Leadership Structure Takes Shape

Ryan Johnson, the newly promoted general manager, brings deep roots within the organization. He has been part of the Canucks' front office since 2013, serving as assistant general manager since 2024 and previously running the AHL affiliate. His credentials received a major boost when the Abbotsford Canucks captured the Calder Cup in 2025, a championship that outgoing president Jim Rutherford cited as evidence of Johnson's capability. Rutherford described Johnson as a "very good candidate" and praised his ability to build a winning team when few expected it.

Johnson replaces Patrik Allvin, who was fired on April 17 after three and a half seasons as GM. Meanwhile, Rutherford himself will step down after the 2026 NHL Draft, concluding five seasons with the organization, though he plans to remain in a consulting role. On the coaching side, Rick Tocchet departed on April 29, 2025, and assistant coach Adam Foote was elevated to head coach on May 14, 2025.

With two franchise icons now steering the ship, a proven AHL champion running day-to-day operations, and a treasure chest of high draft picks and young assets, the Canucks are clearly positioning themselves for a long-term turnaround. Whether the Sedin twins can replicate their on-ice magic in the boardroom remains to be seen, but Vancouver's faithful finally have reason to believe the franchise is building toward something meaningful once again.