Although Jim Rutherford, the President of Hockey Operations, has admitted a rebuild is necessary to make the team a perennial Stanley Cup contender, his plan is not consistent with one.
In his post-season press conference, he was asked by Jeff Paterson if he was "bracing for one more year of real pain." He answered "I'm not." He indicated that Braeden Cootes, Jonathan Lekkerimäki, and this years first round pick would be "ready to play" next season while also noting the new general manager would add two to three character veterans. "If Demko is healthy", then the team can take "a big step forward."
He reiterated the same messaging in his press conference after the draft lottery by saying "I would suspect that the new GM may want to add one or two (players) because you can't lose as much as the Canucks did this year."
When asked about how the candidates for the vacant GM role viewed the rebuild, Rutherford made sure to convey that some felt "we are through the rougher patch of it and start to take the upswing." And even though he has been careful not to put a timeline on a rebuild, he suggested that within two to four years, they can "keep adding those young players...it'll happen sooner than later."
The most glaring example of their impatience stemmed from the news that Paul Dorion was being considered a "strong possibility" for the next general manager. Craig Button on "Donnie and Dhali: The Team" indicated that the Canucks interest in him is driven by his willingness to "accept parameters that others aren't". Jason Brough on Sportsnet 650 did not confirm but was told that this meant, "Dorion went into the interview, essentially said 'I can turn this around quickly' and then all of a sudden, ownership was like, 'this is the guy that I like'."
Although Canucks fans were relieved to hear management finally use the word "rebuild", their plans moving forward are not consistent with one. Rutherford has not described the rebuilding process using "patience" and "discipline". He has not acknowledged a lack of elite talent on the team nor committed to using the draft to acquire it. Ownership has remained completely silent except for the desire to hire a general manager who agrees to transform the team quickly.
So I say to Francesco Aquilini and Jim Rutherford, "you have it ALL wrong". Yes, you can lose as much as you did this year. No, you don't have to sign multiple veteran players in an effort to take "a big step forward." No, you don't have to rush Cootes and this years first round pick into the NHL. No, we are not through the rougher patch of this rebuild because it has just started. And for goodness sake, do not hire a GM because they tell you what you want to hear.
Instead of what you are doing, try to be: Resourceful. Exhaustive. Businesslike. Unwavering. Innovative. Logical. Disciplined.
It is time for a true rebuild in Vancouver.
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