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.
Bo Horvat on Travis Green: He's been great towards me and he's been great with the team, so we'd like to see him back for sure. #Canucks @Sportsnet650
— Brendan Batchelor (@BatchHockey) May 20, 2021
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.
Brandon Sutter on Travis Green and his staff: We have a lot of good young players that made some strides. It's all driven by your coaches. I think they've given us the best chance to win. #Canucks @Sportsnet650
— Brendan Batchelor (@BatchHockey) May 20, 2021
Alex Edler on Travis Green: He came in set a good standard, a higher standard of what players need to do, and built more of a winning culture here. I think we've been getting better every year, not counting this year. He set the bar higher and held everyone accountable. #Canucks
— Brendan Batchelor (@BatchHockey) May 20, 2021
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.
Braden Holtby: I think Clarkie is one of the best, if not the best goalie coach in the league. He probably deserves the ability to decide for himself where he wants to go, but I think when you have something good, you don't want to let it go. #Canucks @Sportsnet650
— Brendan Batchelor (@BatchHockey) May 20, 2021
More from Braden Holtby on working with Ian Clark: Anytime you get to work with the best in the industry, it's an honour. Hopefully that's still a thing going forward. #Canucks @Sportsnet650
— Brendan Batchelor (@BatchHockey) May 20, 2021
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.