Canucks Appoint Ryan Johnson as GM, Sedin Twins Named Co-Presidents of Hockey Operations

The Vancouver Canucks have made significant changes in their front office, promoting Ryan Johnson to general manager while naming Daniel and Henrik Sedin as co-presidents of hockey operations. This restructuring marks a new chapter for the franchise, which is looking to rebound after a disappointing last-place finish.

Johnson’s promotion comes on the heels of the Canucks’ decision to part ways with former general manager Patrik Allvin, who was let go on April 17 following a season that saw the team post a 25-49-8 record. Jim Rutherford, the current president of hockey operations, announced on May 6 that he will step down after next month’s draft, transitioning into an advisory role.

Rutherford’s search for a new general manager was extensive, reportedly considering over 15 candidates. Among those in the mix were former Ottawa Senators GM Pierre Dorion, Boston Bruins assistant general manager Evan Gold, and former Maple Leafs special adviser Shane Doan.

Ryan Johnson, 49, hails from Thunder Bay, Ontario, and has been part of the Canucks organization since 2013. He ascended to the role of assistant general manager in 2024 after a successful playing career in the NHL, which spanned 13 seasons with the Canucks, Florida Panthers, Tampa Bay Lightning, St. Louis Blues, and Chicago Blackhawks.

Joining Johnson in the front office will be the Sedin twins, who not only played alongside him during his time in Vancouver but have also collaborated with him in nurturing the franchise’s young talent. The Sedins enjoyed a remarkable 17-season career with the Canucks, highlighted by their run to the 2011 Stanley Cup Final, where they narrowly lost to the Boston Bruins in seven games.

Henrik Sedin, who captained the team from 2010 to 2018, holds the franchise records for games played (1,330), assists (830), and points (1,070), and was awarded the Hart Trophy as NHL MVP in 2010. Meanwhile, Daniel Sedin leads the Canucks with 393 career goals, including 138 power-play goals and 86 game-winning goals.

Since retiring in 2018, the Hall of Fame forwards rejoined the Canucks as special advisers to the general manager in June 2021, before transitioning to player development roles the following spring. Their new positions as co-presidents of hockey operations signify a commitment to shaping the future of the franchise.

Note: This recap is an independently written summary based on publicly available reporting.