Key takeaways from Patrik Allvin’s first press conference as Canucks GM

After TSN’s Darren Dreger and other hockey insiders reported it on Tuesday evening, the Vancouver Canucks officially named Patrik Allvin as their new General Manager on Wednesday morning.

He becomes the 12th GM in Canucks history.

Canucks President of Hockey Operations Jim Rutherford introduced Allvin as the new GM in a press conference held over Zoom.

“I’m pleased to welcome Patrick Allvin and his family to Vancouver,” said Rutherford. “Officially today, Patrick will start as the General Manager of the Canucks. Him and I worked together for seven years in Pittsburgh and I really learned to respect him, I respect him not only as a person, but as a great hockey guy. He’s worked in all aspects of hockey operations, he brings a lot of experience. He brings a winning culture to Vancouver by being part of three cups in Pittsburgh.”

In case you missed it, you can watch the full press conference here.

Allvin on becoming the first Swedish GM in NHL history

Allvin made history as he becomes the NHL’s first Swedish GM. He was asked about it early in the press conference.

“I think it’s a big day for Swedish hockey and the European part of the of the game.” said Allvin.” “I think part of it this but what the players have done in the National Hockey League over the years, and I think Vancouver has been extremely fortunate to have a lot of good European players. It’s a big day for me. I’m truly honoured and proud to be the first one, but also to join a team with Jim Rutherford. That’s, what I’m excited about.”

Allvin becomes the second European GM in NHL history after Jarmo Kekäläinen, who is currently the GM of the Columbus Blue Jackets.

He also talked about meeting fellow countryman Elias Pettersson in his draft year.

“I remember meeting a 17-year-old tiny kid for lunch in Sundsvall, Sweden,” said Allvin. I think he had schnitzel and he was going to buy a draft suit after. Obviously, he is a high-talented player, very impressive transition from the SHL in Sweden to the NHL.”

Henrik and Daniel Sedin were hired as advisors last summer and Allvin spoke about them.

“What they’ve done for the Vancouver Canucks and the city of Vancouver, I definitely want to have them on board here,” he said. “I got an opportunity to meet them out in Vancouver for a two-hour lunch and I was really impressed with them as people. What they talked about in terms of culture and identity and standards, that’s something that I truly believe in and I’m very excited to continue to have them on board here and I really envision them to be a big part of this franchise moving forward.”

Allvin and Rutherford on their first steps with the organization

Allvin was asked what his first priorities would be as Canucks GM.

“Obviously, I’m looking forward to to meet up with a team and get to know the people, the staff and the players here, spend time with Jim, and talk about the staff and the players,” said Allvin. ” I think that’s the most important thing here in the next couple of weeks to evaluate and see where we are.”

Rutherford talked about how the Canucks aren’t ready to contend for the Stanley Cup and what Allvin is going to have to do to make the team better.

“We have to we have to add more players to get to where we want to get to and that’s something that’s going to have to be decided here leading up to the trading deadline,” said Rutherford. “How do we go about that? We got to figure out a way to get a little cushion on the cap. It’s always difficult, but being up against the cap and a team that’s not in the playoffs at this point in time is not a good thing. So some big decisions are coming up. But now that we’ve added more people to hockey ops, we’re now in a position that stronger position to make those decisions.”

With Vancouver’s cap situation, it looks like numerous players are going to be moved out within the next few weeks and months.

Allvin talked about the Stanley Cup being the number one for the organization. He also spoke about making the big decisions and how he will make sure the staff will be respected and work together.

“I always trust my staff and treat them with respect,” said Allvin. “Somebody’s got to make the decisions and that’s going to be the general manager but there’s no egos around here. We all work for the ultimate goal of bringing a Stanley Cup to the city of Vancouver.”