Vancouver Canucks Reshape Front Office: Ryan Johnson as GM, Sedin Twins as Co-Presidents

On May 14, 2026 the Vancouver Canucks announced that longtime development coach and assistant GM Ryan Johnson would become the franchise’s 13th general manager. Former stars Daniel and Henrik Sedin were promoted to co-presidents of hockey operations, taking full authority as Jim Rutherford moves to a senior-advisor role after the upcoming draft.

Report: Canucks promote Ryan Johnson to general managerCanucks name Sedins co-presidents, Johnson as GMCanucks hire Ryan Johnson as GM, Sedin twins to share president of hockey operationsCBC NewsDANIEL AND HENRIK SEDIN PROMOTED TO CO-PRESIDENTS AND RYAN JOHNSON NAMED GENERAL MANAGERCanucks name Ryan Johnson new GM; Daniel and Henrik Sedin as Co-Presidents of Hockey OperationsCanucks promote Johnson to GM; Sedin twins named co-presidents

The 2025-26 season finished 25-49-8 (58 points), the league’s worst and the lowest total since 1999-2000, prompting the April 17 dismissal of GM Patrik Allvin. Though the Canucks held top lottery odds, they fell to the third overall pick after the Toronto Maple Leafs won; a first-round pick from the Quinn Hughes trade adds a second first-rounder and five selections in the first three rounds. The team enters the offseason with $21.16 million in cap space and a core of Brock Boeser, Jake DeBrusk, Filip Hronek, Kevin Lankinen, Marcus Pettersson, Thatcher Demko and Elias Pettersson.

ESPNCanucks promote Johnson to GM; Sedin twins named co-presidentsCanucks promote Ryan Johnson to GM, Sedin brothers to co-presidentsCanucks name Ryan Johnson new GM; Daniel and Henrik Sedin as Co-Presidents of Hockey OperationsCanucks hire Ryan Johnson as GM, Sedin twins to share president of hockey operations

Owner Francesco Aquilini called the day “very important,” noting the trio’s “culture-setting” work ethic and aim to build a competitive, young roster. The Sedins stressed a “committed” approach to making the club a leading NHL franchise and highlighted community involvement. Johnson said the rebuild will be step-by-step, emphasizing that “building through the draft” is central and that setting a timeline would be “unfair to the process.” Rutherford praised Johnson’s AHL success, saying he “built a championship team in Abbotsford when people weren’t expecting it.”

Canucks promote Ryan Johnson to GM, Sedin brothers to co-presidents

The new leadership blends the Sedins’ on-ice legacy with Johnson’s development expertise, using ample cap space and multiple high draft picks to restock the roster while keeping core players. Community goals, such as securing a permanent practice rink and expanding charitable outreach, support a broader brand revitalization.

Sedins made final call on Canucks' decision to hire Johnson as new GM

• “This is a very important day for our organization and marks a significant step in guiding the future direction of our hockey team,” — Francesco Aquilini, Chairman

DANIEL AND HENRIK SEDIN PROMOTED TO CO-PRESIDENTS AND RYAN JOHNSON NAMED GENERAL MANAGER

• “Ownership came to us when it became clear that the team was going to step away a little bit,” — Henrik Sedin, Co-President of Hockey Operations

Sedins made final call on Canucks' decision to hire Johnson as new GM

• “I think to put any type of timeline on it is unfair to the process,” — Ryan Johnson, General Manager

Sedins made final call on Canucks' decision to hire Johnson as new GM

• “He built a championship team in Abbotsford when people weren’t expecting it, and he’s been a great guy to work with,” — Jim Rutherford, Senior Advisor

Canucks promote Ryan Johnson to GM, Sedin brothers to co-presidents

The Canucks will enter the 2026 NHL Draft on June 26-27 with the third overall pick and a pool of selections. Johnson said the club will continue evaluating head coach Adam Foote while advancing community projects such as the pending practice-rink deal, all within a rebuild anchored by draft development and cap management.

Nanaimo Bulletin