Why New Canucks Coach Might Impact Quinn Hughes’ Future

The team finished the season with a 38-30-14 record and missed the playoffs, one year removed from a division title and a 50-23-9 record. 

Vancouver enters the offseason with questions about its long-term core and future direction, with one of the primary concerns involving captain Quinn Hughes.

The blueliner, who has been nominated for the Norris Memorial Trophy award and is signed through 2026–27, finished the season with 76 points (16 goals, 60 assists) in 68 games.

Hughes, however, has drawn attention for past comments expressing interest in playing with his brothers, Jack and Luke Hughes, both with the New Jersey Devils, something  acknowledged by the Canucks organzation at the end of the season.

During the end-of-season media availability, Canucks president Jim Rutherford discussed the organization's situation rather openly.

“This franchise cannot afford to lose a guy like Quinn Hughes,” Rutherford said. “We will do everything we can to keep him here, but at the end of the day, it’ll be his decision.”

While the club avoided linking the coaching decision directly to Hughes’ future, Foote’s promotion aligns with Hughes' known preferences. 

Back in February, Hughes called Foote the best defensive coach he’s ever had.

"I just find like, there's a lot of coaches out there that, you know, scream and yell and they want to, you know, bully their players, intimidate their players," Hughes said. "And (Foote) is a guy that I would say, coaches his defenseman, coaches his players, like he'd want his kids coached. And then on top of that, with all the experience he has."

Foote, 53, played over 1,100 NHL games and won two Stanley Cups with the Colorado Avalanche. This, however, marks his first NHL head coaching role.

Depending on how he does, Hughes might decide to sign a contract extension to stay in Vancouver for the long run, or explore alternatives, including joining his brothers in New Jersey or elsewhere.