Ryan Johnson's rise could come with a major Sedins twist in Vancouver
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Daniel Lucente
May 13, 2026 (11:39)
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Photo credit: Bob Frid-Imagn Images
Ryan Johnson's reported rise now lands directly on Adam Foote's bench, and that changes the Canucks' chain of command.
This isn't just Vancouver picking a new GM. It's a possible redraw of who holds the loudest voice in hockey ops.
Elliotte Friedman said on Oilers Now that he may have understated Henrik Sedin and Daniel Sedin's role in the new setup.
That matters because Ryan Johnson as GM is one story. Johnson working under the Sedins is a much sharper one.
"It's going to be Ryan Johnson with the Sedins...I might have understated the Sedins role...I think it's possible the Sedins could be above Johnson on the food chain."
- Elliotte Friedman
- Elliotte Friedman
The second post lists Ryan Johnson at GM, Henrik Sedin and Daniel Sedin as co-presidents.
Vancouver's real decision is authority
The Canucks went 25-49-8, finished with 58 points, and gave up 316 goals. That is not a tweak job.
Adam Foote is already under a different kind of microscope if the Sedins sit above the GM. A new front office usually rechecks the bench first.
The danger is a crowded table. If Johnson handles trades, Foote handles the room, and the Sedins hold final influence, Vancouver needs clean lanes fast.
The upside is obvious. Henrik and Daniel understand the market, the sweater, the pressure, and what a serious Canucks locker room should feel like.
But respect does not replace structure. If Pettersson, Boeser, Demko, or the blue line need hard calls, the organization can't afford soft ownership theater.
This move can work if Johnson has real operating power and the Sedins set the hockey identity above him.
It can get messy if every major call turns into a three-voice debate before puck drop.
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