Uncertainty Surrounds Adam Foote’s Potential as Canucks Head Coach
Adam Foote’s readiness for the head coaching role with the Vancouver Canucks remains an open question — one that won’t be answered until the games begin.
After a thorough search, the Canucks found their new head coach right at home in Rogers Arena.
This internal hire could prove beneficial. Despite being a first-time NHL head coach, Foote had an advantage over external candidates: he witnessed the chaos of last season from the inside. Having experienced one of the most turbulent years in team history firsthand, Foote enters the role with a unique familiarity.
He knows the current roster well, likely better than any new hire could, and this insight could be invaluable when it comes to motivating players and managing personalities effectively.
“Adam Foote is the best coach I’ve ever had”
Foote’s challenge will be significant — guiding the Canucks back to the playoffs in the 2025-26 season. Many are skeptical about whether he’s up to the task, given his limited NHL coaching background. His only prior head coaching stint was in the WHL with the Kelowna Rockets, and that tenure was far from successful.
However, that was five years ago. Since then, Foote has earned praise for his work as an assistant coach with the Canucks, especially for his role in improving the team’s defense and penalty kill. His efforts have earned the respect of the players, including team captain Quinn Hughes.
“I think Adam Foote is the best coach I’ve ever had,” Hughes said, commending Foote’s clear communication and coaching ability.
Still, Foote’s future as a head coach remains a mystery.
Not even Hughes, the analysts, former teammates, or even head coach Rick Tocchet can say for sure how well Foote will perform. Foote himself may not fully know what lies ahead, though he undoubtedly believes in his own potential.
And that’s the reality of coaching in the NHL — it’s a high-stakes trial by fire. Many who seem destined for greatness falter, while unexpected candidates sometimes excel.
From Desjardins to St. Louis: A Spectrum of Experience
Consider Willie Desjardins, hired by the Canucks in 2014. He came with a wealth of coaching experience — university, WHL, AHL — and accolades like AHL Coach of the Year and a Calder Cup win. On paper, he looked like a safe bet.
But things quickly went downhill. Despite a decent first season, Desjardins’ tenure unraveled with two dreadful seasons. His coaching decisions baffled fans — poor in-game adjustments, rigid line rotations, and questionable lineup choices like elevating underqualified players to key roles.
In contrast, there’s Martin St. Louis. Before being named head coach of the Montreal Canadiens, St. Louis had no professional coaching experience, only a background coaching youth hockey. Despite his thin resume, he guided the Canadiens back to the playoffs and became a finalist for the Jack Adams Award.
“He’s grown so much as a coach”
Foote, by comparison, has more experience than St. Louis had. He spent several years in player development with the Colorado Avalanche, coached Kelowna in the WHL, and has served as a Canucks assistant coach for over two years.
Under Foote’s guidance, the team’s defense and special teams improved. Tocchet frequently praised Foote’s contributions.
“I love the guy. I’m thrilled for him,” Tocchet said in an interview. “He’s really grown as a coach. I always believed he’d get his shot. He’s smart, he’s great with people, and he knows this organization inside out.”
Tocchet emphasized Foote’s active role: “He wasn’t just there for show. He ran the defense, the PK, and helped with player management. He had real responsibility.”
Still, the jump from assistant to head coach is massive. Assistants often focus on teaching and supporting players, while head coaches must manage the entire team, make hard decisions, and face scrutiny from media and management alike.
“Now Footey’s going to have to face the media,” Tocchet added. “I told him, don’t shy away. Educate and explain when needed. They might criticize you, but if you handle it with respect, it’ll be fine.”
Best-Case Scenario: The Next Brind’Amour?
In an ideal world, Foote’s journey mirrors that of Rod Brind’Amour — a tough, respected former player who transitioned smoothly into a successful head coaching role. After seven years as an assistant, Brind’Amour led the Hurricanes to playoff consistency and strong regular-season performance.
But until Foote is tested in the pressure cooker of an NHL season, no one can say for certain how he’ll fare.
