The idea of offering an extension to interim head coach Bruce Boudreau was on and off for the Canucks next season. At times, it felt like the Canucks wanted to take a wait-and-see approach. Towards the end of the regular season, it became more evident a new deal was the direction the organization was leaning. The one thing that is clear is that Boudreau would like to return.
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Boudreau made it very clear what his intentions are for next season when speaking with the media on Monday. He has an option in his contract for next season and he hinted he would exercise that option during his end-of-year availability:
Listen I told Patrik (Allvin) and Jim (Rutherford) that I wanted to coach here next year. We’re just talking right now. Hopefully things get done, but I think they want me back, and I know I want to be back, so I think it should work out.
The Canucks were 8-15-2 when he took over in early December and last in the Pacific Division. Their season was essentially deemed a write-off. Boudreau proceeded to take the team to a 32-15-10 record and a .649 points percentage. Until the bitter end, the playoffs were not impossible and the group clearly clicked under his leadership. When asked about whether he felt he proved he could still coach in the league, he said this season was a good experience and reaffirmed his ability to do the job.
Can He Win in the Playoffs?
The question the Canucks need to ask if is Boudreau can repeat that kind of success next season and if the team makes the playoffs in 2022-23, can he overcome a fairly inadequate playoff record? As for helping build a team that can contend if he’s the coach, he said he’ll offer input if asked, but he’s not going to give much input into the construction of the team. He’ll talk to management about what he thinks of the players, but he’ll coach the team he’s given.
Next: Darnell Nurse Says “We’ll See”, Plus Game 1 Lineup of Oilers vs. Kings
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