Canucks bring Travis Green back as head coach

The Vancouver Canucks waited for the end of the regular season to make their decision, but Travis Green will return as head coach of the Vancouver Canucks. Darren Dreger has just reported a contract extension has been agreed to and is expected to be finalized Friday morning.

"Travis Green extension with the Canucks has been agreed to and is expected to be finalized this morning."

The team announced Friday afternoon the Canucks and their head coach have agreed to terms on a multi-year extension.

Green was in the last year of his contract as he guided the Canucks to a 23-29-4 record as the team missed the playoffs for the fifth time in six seasons. The Canucks closed out their lost season on Wednesday, losing 6-2 to the Calgary Flames four days after the Stanley Cup tournament started. Vancouver's season was heavily affected by COVID and league's protocol when a massive outbreak stormed the dressing room. 

Fans and pundits were still debating if the Canucks would bring Green back for the future as many potential changes were reported ever since Vancouver ended their season. A majority of the Canucks’ fanbase has been calling for the organization to move on from general manager Jim Benning and it sounds like the franchise may be looking to completely rebuild its management group. Dreger then revealed on Tuesday that the “Canucks ownership is involved in ongoing discussions with Henrik and Daniel Sedin about potential roles within the organization.”

Earlier this month, Green stated he wishes to return to the Canucks as the team continued to transition through a rebuild.

More changes could be coming to the Canucks, though it sounds like the coaching staff will remain the same with Green at the helm. Goalie Branden Holtby, speaking Thursday about goaltending coach Ian Clark, said: “When you have something good, you don't let it go. That's up to the higher-ups to figure that out.” 

It sure sounds like players are happy to see Green back with the team.