Canucks: 3 takeaways from the year-end media availability

Team buy-in is strong

Despite the tirefire that continues to burn within this organization, it appears that players are still ready and excited to suit up in blue and green for this city.

Over the past few weeks, different players from the roster have spoken up regarding the current coaching situation and how it has impacted them personally, and they haven’t been afraid to say exactly what’s on their mind.

Let’s start with Travis Green.

On Thursday morning, captain Bo Horvat went to great lengths to speak on how Green has influenced his development over the past few years, both on and off the ice.

Veterans Alex Edler and Brandon Sutter made sure to chime in as well, crediting their team’s success and strides solely to the coaching staff.

Fortunately for the players (and for the fanbase), the Canucks were finally able to come to terms on a new contract extension with Green. It was originally reported that the former Utica Comet bench boss was locked in for a multi-year deal, but it was later confirmed that he only received two years as of right now, which would be right in line with Benning’s new end-date for the team’s (second?) rebuild.

Unfortunately, the same can’t be said for the rest of the coaching staff, with goaltending coach Ian Clark at the forefront. Reports are indicating that the extension conversations have not been as prominent as they should be and, as a result, Clark’s two main clients decided to address that issue themselves.

Netminder Thatcher Demko kicked everything off last week following his team’s 4-2 win over the Calgary Flames, pleading with ownership to bring back goaltending coach Ian Clark.

Demko, who is often considered one of the more soft-spoken individuals in the locker room, even went so far as to say that he owes “probably just about everything to him” in regards to his development and stellar play this season.

On Thursday, Braden Holtby continued the Clark Praise Parade, adding on that he’d like Clark to stay in Vancouver just as much as Demko.

Clark, who recently suited up for his 1500th NHL game, is still without a contract extension, despite desperate words from his two netminders. Who knows if management will be able to figure something out in the 11th hour but, as of today, all signs are currently pointing towards another staff exit that could’ve been easily avoided.

Let’s go back to the big picture.

Whether we’re talking about Clark or Green, there’s still a pressing issue that needs to be fixed within this organization. The fact that players were required to speak up on behalf of their coaches says quite a bit about how those players truly perceive ownership and the actions they’ve made (or not made) over the past few weeks, and it’s not a good look for any sports organization, especially one that hasn’t been able to win.

Essentially, it all boils down to how well Benning and co. can actually manage their responsibilities and priorities moving forward, but it’s more than safe to say that they’re on their last strike right now.

In other words, they definitely can’t run out of time anymore.