In a stunning move, the Vancouver Canucks named former Colorado Avalanche captain Adam Foote as their next head coach.
Rumblings emerged this week as the Canucks were reportedly down to two main candidates for the job: Abbotsford Canucks bench boss Manny Malhotra and Foote. Foote had been an assistant coach for the Canucks since 2023.
The Province noted that Foote’s influence was crucial in helping young defenseman like Quinn Hughes develop into NHL stars. That influence will now be magnified as takes over the helm in Vancouver.
In my estimation, Foote’s hiring in Vancouver has to do with rumors about Hughes wanting to play with his brothers in New Jersey. If that’s the case, the Canucks made the right call in hiring Foote, who’s leadership and influence, well known by longtime Avalanche fans, will help the Canucks keep their franchise player.
It remains to be seen if Foote, who was also head coach of the Kelowna Rockets from 2018 to 2020 can spark a turnaround in Vancouver after a disappointing season this year.
In the meantime, it’s nice to see a former Colorado Avalanche player thrive in his post-playing days. Here’s wishing Adam Foote all the best in his new role. He will hopefully parlay his success as a player into success as a coach.
Remembering Adam Foote’s days with the Colorado Avalanche
Adam Foote’s relationship with the Avalanche franchise dates back to the Quebec Nordiques days. He was selected 22nd overall by the Nordiques in 1989, a draft in which the Nordiques selected Mats Sundin with the number-one overall pick.
Foote eventually reached the NHL during the 1991-92 season, playing in 46 games. He would never go back to the minors, playing four seasons with the Nordiques before the franchise moved to Colorado.
Following the move, Foote would be a mainstay with the Avalanche from 1995 to 2004. The would be on the Cup-winning teams in 1996 and 2001. He would spend some time with the Columbus Blue Jackets before returning to the Avalanche in 2008.
Ahead of the 2009-10 season, Foote was named captain following Joe Sakic’s retirement. He was the Avalanche’s second captain in team history, a role he would hold until his retirement in 2011.
Adam Foote is remembered in Colorado Avalanche lore as one of the team’s most respected and admired blue liners. His hard-nosed, physical style made him a fan favorite, especially during the years of the Red Wings-Avalanche rivalry.
His role in the two Stanley Cup runs in the 90s and early 2000s cemented Foote’s legacy as one of the franchise’s most notable names.