Could Pierre Dorion Get Another Shot as an NHL GM with the Canucks?

After the Ottawa Senators made the decision to part ways with head coach DJ Smith and GM Pierre Dorion during the 2023–24 season, many speculated about their future in the NHL. Both men had led the team through some challenging times, including a lengthy rebuilding process. However, the tides may be turning for Dorion, who is now in the running for a new opportunity.

Following a stint as an assistant coach with the Los Angeles Kings, where he helped guide the team to the postseason as interim head coach after Jim Hiller’s firing, Smith’s resurgence serves as a reminder that second chances can yield better results. The Vancouver Canucks, currently struggling with the worst record in the NHL, are considering whether the same could apply to Dorion.

According to TSN’s Darren Dreger, the Canucks have interviewed Dorion for their vacant GM position after parting ways with Patrik Allvin on April 17. Dorion’s journey has been tumultuous; he was let go from Ottawa largely due to mismanagement during the 2021 trade of Evgenii Dadonov to the Vegas Golden Knights. The Senators failed to disclose Dadonov’s no-trade list, which ultimately derailed a subsequent trade attempt to Anaheim, leading to significant penalties, including the loss of a first-round draft pick.

Despite a series of missteps during his tenure with the Senators, there is speculation that much of the turmoil may have stemmed from ownership interference during the late Eugene Melnyk’s era. Interestingly, as Dorion seeks this new role, he may face competition from his former assistant GM, Ryan Bowness, who has also been interviewed for the Canucks job.

While Dorion’s record includes notable challenges, he also boasts impressive highlights, such as a standout 2020 draft where he selected Tim Stützle and Jake Sanderson, both of whom are now signed to favorable long-term contracts. Additionally, the 2018 Erik Karlsson trade with San Jose brought valuable assets, including Josh Norris and a first-round pick that became Stützle.

At 53 years old, Dorion brings substantial experience in managing the complexities of an NHL rebuild, particularly in a challenging ownership environment. This expertise could prove invaluable as the Canucks look to reshape their franchise.

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