Canucks owner Francesco Aquilini releases a public statement.

The Vancouver Canucks had what many considered to be a terrible offseason, losing several key players to free agency and the effects of that offseason have been on full display to start the 2020 - 2021 National Hockey League season.

The Canucks have gotten off to a poor start and as a result there has been a tremendous amount of pressure placed on the team to make a change, pressure from fans in Vancouver who were hoping to see the team improve on their recent playoff run. This has resulted in calls to fire head coach Travis Green and calls to fire general manager Jim Benning but fans who were hoping to see a change on that front may have to wait for a while longer.

On Saturday Vancouver Canucks owner Francesco Aquilini took to social media and published a public statement on the current state of his team. In the statement Aquilini backed both his general manager and his head coach, leaving absolutely no doubt as to the current direction of the team.

Here is his statement in full:

This has been a unique year for everyone. Roster changes, very little training camp, no pre-season, and just a few practice days. It takes time for new players to fit in and a new group chemistry to take hold, both on and off the ice. 

Of course I’m disappointed by our poor start, but the last thing we’re going to do is panic. We’ve been better in recent games and I believe we’ll continue to improve.

Our fans are passionate and knowledgeable. They have every right to express themselves. But when the media starts pouring gas on the fire, dealing in rumours and misinformation as if it’s fact, it’s time for me to speak up.

Contrary to what you may have read or heard, we’re sticking to the path we’re on: building on our core of young talent. Progression is not always a straight line. There is no easy fix, only patience, commitment, and hard work.

Like Boeser, Pettersson, and Hughes, Hoglander was an excellent pick. It looks like he’ll be a great part of our future. Our hockey group believes Podkolzin will step right into the lineup as well.

I have full confidence in Jim, Travis, and this group. I have no plans to make changes.  #WeAreAllCanucks

I suspect that this is not the message that fans in Vancouver were hoping to hear.