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The Vancouver Canucks are still searching for their next general manager, and one name is being seen as a strong candidate for the role.
The opening comes after the team parted ways with Patrik Allvin on April 17, 2026, following a last-place finish in his fourth season. Allvin, who was hired in January 2022, had taken the team to the second round of the playoffs in 2024 before a drop in results this past year.
NHL insider Rick Dhaliwal said former Ottawa Senators executive Pierre Dorion is a strong option for the job.
“Pierre Dorion is a strong candidate to be named GM in Vancouver but he has not been hired. Others on the shortlist have not been told they are out,” Dhaliwal wrote on X.Dorion’s name has also been mentioned elsewhere, with some suggesting he could be near the top of the list.
ESPN’s Greg Wyshynski said he expects Dorion to get the job.
“I think he’s gonna get the gig,” Wyshynski said on Sportsnet 650. “I’ve heard it’s trending that way. He came into the fray very late, and when you do that, they probably feel like he’s a quality candidate.”Dorion spent more than seven years as general manager of the Senators from 2016 to 2023. The team went 225-261-59 during that stretch and made the playoffs once.
His first season was also their best as Ottawa came within one win of reaching the Stanley Cup Final before losing in the Eastern Conference Final.
The Vancouver Canucks have also trimmed their list as the search for a new GM moves ahead. Gary Mason reported that the Canucks are now down to five candidates.
While Pierre Dorion is still part of that group, Mason noted he is not being viewed as a clear front-runner. Ryan Johnson is another name that remains under consideration.
“Update: the Canucks have narrowed their GM search down to five good candidates. Dorion is one but would be wrong to characterize him in any way as a front-runner. Ryan Johnson is still in the mix as well,” Mason wrote on X.Johnson has been with the organization for over a decade and is already part of the front office. He currently serves as assistant GM and has also handled responsibilities with the team’s AHL affiliate in Abbotsford.
Under Johnson, Abbotsford won its first championship in the 2024-25 season and finished second in the Pacific Division with 92 points.
There are still a few other names being discussed. Rick Dhaliwal has mentioned Evan Gold, Ryan Bowness, Jamie Langenbrunner and Brett Peterson as part of the wider group. Shane Doan was also involved earlier in the process but reports indicate he is no longer being considered for the role.
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Edited by Sonali Verma
