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Talking about the Canucks’ GM search with Irfaan Gaffar: Canucks Conversation
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Photo credit: © Bob Frid-USA TODAY Sports
Clarke Corsan
Apr 25, 2026, 10:00 EDTUpdated: Apr 25, 2026, 03:06 EDT
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On today’s episode of Canucks Conversation, David Quadrelli and Harman Dayal were joined by Irfaan Gaffar to discuss where things stand in the Vancouver Canucks’ ongoing general manager search and what the process could look like in the weeks ahead.
Irf emphasized early on that this won’t be a quick decision.
“They’re talking to a lot of people,” Irf said. “It’s going to be a thorough process here; they’re not going to rush into making any decisions based on just one interview. Right now, they’re doing their due diligence, talking to as many people as they want, getting ideas. Once you hear they’re doing in-person interviews, that’s when you’ll start to see the list narrow down.”
While the focus is on the GM position, Irf noted the scope of these conversations goes beyond just one role.
“Yes they’re interviewing for their GM position, but maybe they want to see what a President is going to look like, or candidates who could be assistant GM,” he said. “The GM search is the big one, but they’re also just looking for people who can help the organization.”
Part of what makes the job appealing is the runway the next hire is expected to receive.
“It’s a desirable position; you’re going to get some runway here,” Irf said. “This rebuild isn’t going to take two years… this next GM is probably going to have his hands on this for quite some time.”
The long-term outlook ties into what Irf expects will be a significant shake up in the organization’s ranks.
“I’m expecting a lot of turnover beyond the GM,” Irf said. “I think that’s the only way you can really look at this organization and say they’re really trying to do something and change here. A lot of these scouts don’t have contracts right now, but would you give them new contracts without knowing who your GM will be? Same with the head coach; the new GM will be deciding what they do with Adam Foote, Kevin Dean and the rest of the coaching staff.”
After one of the worst seasons in recent memory, Irf believes everything is being evaluated.
“When you have a season as bad as the Canucks did this year, everything is under scrutiny and they’re going to leave no stone unturned as they try to fix things this summer,” he said.
Irf also addressed the role Jim Rutherford is playing in the process, suggesting the ownership’s trust in him remains intact.
“If they didn’t trust Jim Rutherford, he wouldn’t be here right now leading the GM search,” Irf said. “His job is tasked to go and find the next GM or President of this team. I believe the next person who is GM of this hockey club will be in line to be an executive taking over for Jim’s job, which is why I think they’ll go with someone who has a bit of experience.
“This isn’t an easy fix and they have to nail this decision,” Irf continued. “There isn’t any more time for stop-gap GM’s, we’re done with that and the organization knows it. It might take seven or eight years before you really start to see it with this team. You’ve got to hire the right people and get them involved, but there is going to be some more years of pain before this thing turns around.”
As the process continues, the Canucks appear focused on taking a comprehensive approach to not only find their new general manager but also reshape the organization and bring more permanency to a club that has lacked it for far too long.
You can watch the full segment below!
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