Canucks: Why Willie Desjardins Thinks Adam Foote Doesn’t Need His Coaching Tips…
“He’s intelligent, driven, and has a background with championship teams—he understands what it takes to win,” said former Vancouver Canucks head coach Willie Desjardins, offering high praise for Adam Foote, the NHL rookie head coach stepping in for the Canucks.
Desjardins, who is back in familiar territory with the Medicine Hat Tigers as both general manager and head coach, is currently focused on the Memorial Cup tournament in Rimouski, Quebec. His team kicked off the competition with a tight 5-4 win against the host team, Oceanic, aiming to bring the trophy back west for the first time in over a decade. Although he has led the Tigers to three WHL championships over 14 seasons, a national junior title still eludes him.
“This means a lot,” Desjardins said after the win. “Medicine Hat has always felt like home. I kept my house there. I enjoy coaching, no matter the level. It’s always felt like the right fit.”
At 68, Desjardins holds degrees in both education and social work, yet hockey has remained his lifelong passion.
“I never considered walking away from it,” he said. “I enjoy working with athletes. In many professions, you don’t see results right away, but in hockey, the feedback is immediate. That’s something I appreciate.”
Desjardins’s first year behind an NHL bench in 2014-15 saw success and frustration. The Canucks reached 48 wins and earned 101 points, only to be eliminated in the first playoff round by the Calgary Flames in six games—a loss that still stings. The following two seasons were less successful, and he was eventually replaced by Travis Green. After a brief stint coaching the LA Kings in 2018-19, Desjardins returned to Medicine Hat.
As Adam Foote gears up for his first NHL head coaching role, stepping in for Rick Tocchet, Desjardins might have insights to share about navigating pressure in a passionate hockey city like Vancouver. The Canucks have had four different head coaches in as many years.
Still, Desjardins insists Foote doesn’t need guidance from him.
“I’m not offering advice,” Desjardins laughed. “He already brings a lot of experience and knows the game and the players. He’s smart and passionate. We’ve crossed paths before. He’s played on winning teams and understands what’s required to succeed.”
When Desjardins took over from John Tortorella in Vancouver, he made a point of surrounding himself with seasoned assistants like Perry Pearn and Doug Jarvis. For him, their NHL experience was essential.
“That was more important for me because I hadn’t spent much time in the NHL,” Desjardins admitted. “Experience was a must.”
Foote may also draw from familiar faces as he builds his staff. He has history with Bob Boughner, a former teammate in both junior and the NHL. Boughner later coached the Windsor Spitfires to OHL championships and held NHL head coaching roles in Florida and San Jose. Currently, Boughner is an associate coach with the Detroit Red Wings.
The Canucks face a tall task in rebounding from last year’s near trip to the Western Conference Finals, only to miss the playoffs this season due to injuries and internal drama. Foote will need the right support system to navigate the transition.
Desjardins knows firsthand the weight of expectations. In 2014-15, the Canucks boasted the NHL’s sixth-best offense and ninth-ranked power play. Daniel Sedin tallied 76 points, Henrik 73, and Radim Vrbata notched 31 goals. Yet, that production didn’t translate to the playoffs, where each managed just two goals and the power play sputtered. With an aging core, the following season saw a steep decline. Injuries, failed roster moves, and underperformance led to a 75-point finish and early playoff elimination.
Despite the challenges, Desjardins remains grateful for his time in Vancouver.
“I had three years to build something and didn’t get the job done. That’s just how it is in this market,” he said. “No regrets. I wouldn’t change it. It’s a great city with passionate fans. We were at the salary cap and had an excellent group. I was fortunate.”
Looking at the current team, Desjardins sees promise. The Canucks have elite talent in captain Quinn Hughes, strong goaltending, a solid defense, and an excellent penalty kill. However, they struggle offensively, ranking 23rd in the league.
“There are many factors that affect a team these days,” Desjardins concluded. “I’m not close to the team anymore, but they have good players. They might be able to turn things around.”
