Former Vancouver Canucks coach comes out of retirement to take on major NHL head coaching position
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In a bit of surprising news this week, a former Vancouver Canucks coach has officially come out of retirement to take on a new job in the National Hockey League.
Heading into the 2025-26 season, many were trying to predict who would be the first Head Coach to be fired in the National Hockey League, with names like Andrew Brunette of the Nashville Predators, Ryan Huska of the Calgary Flames and Travis Green of the Ottawa Senators mentioned by oddsmakers.
Despite being dead last in the National Hockey League’s overall standings with 16 wins in 45 games, no change is expected behind the bench for the Vancouver Canucks anytime soon and while there’s been some talk of changes among the management group, it’s more likely than not that the club will wait until the offseason to complete those, if they intend on going down that route.
While it doesn’t look like the Vancouver Canucks are going to stick with their current coaching staff for now, led by Adam Foote, one of the club’s former Assistant Coaches is back in the National Hockey League after announcing his retirement nearly two years ago.
Former Vancouver Canucks coach comes out of retirement to take on new NHL gig
In a press release on Monday, the Columbus Blue Jackets became the first team in the National Hockey League to make a coaching change this season, as they announced that Head Coach Dean Evason and Assistant Coach Steve McCarthy have been relieved of their duties.
The move came as a little bit of a shock to some, even though the Columbus Blue Jackets sit tied for last in the Eastern Conference with the Ottawa Senators entering action today.
Replacing Dean Evason behind the bench in Columbus is former Vancouver Canucks Assistant Coach Rick Bowness, who brings 35 years of coaching experience in the NHL to the Blue Jackets.
“Rick Bowness is a tremendous coach with invaluable experience and knowledge, and he will bring a steadiness to our team at an important juncture in our season. He is a good communicator whose teams play with structure, are sound defensively and we believe he is the right person to bring out the best in our group.” General Manager Don Waddell said.
“I appreciate the opportunity to come to Columbus because it is a good organization with good people and this is a team that I think I can help improve. I’m thankful to Don and (Blue Jackets President) Mike Priest and I’m really excited to work with our players and coaching staff to help get us where we want to go.” Bowness said.
The Moncton, New Brunswick native will make his Columbus Blue Jackets coaching debut on Tuesday night as they take on the Calgary Flames at 4 p.m. PT (7 p.m. local).
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Former Vancouver Canucks coach comes out of retirement to take on major NHL head coaching position
Do you think Rick Bowness will remain with the Columbus Blue Jackets beyond the 2025-26 season?