GM Ryan Johnson is in no rush to name a captain \u2014 the right person “eventually rises to the surface,” he says \u2014 but in a rebuild, timing is crucial.<\/p>\n
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Published Jun 03, 2026 \u00a0\u2022\u00a0 4 minute read<\/p>\n
<\/a><\/p>\n You can save this article by registering for free here<\/a>. Or sign-in<\/a> if you have an account.<\/p>\n Been there. Done that. Felt the joy. And the pain.<\/p>\n Advertisement 2<\/p>\n This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below.<\/p>\n THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY<\/p>\n Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada.<\/p>\n Exclusive articles by top sports columnists Patrick Johnston, Ben Kuzma, J.J. Abrams and others. 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Plus, Canucks Report, Sports and Headline News newsletters and events.Unlimited online access to The Province and 15 news sites with one account.The Province ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition to view on any device, share and comment on.Daily puzzles and comics, including the New York Times Crossword.Support local journalism.<\/p>\n REGISTER \/ SIGN IN TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES<\/p>\n Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience.<\/p>\n Access articles from across Canada with one account.Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments.Enjoy additional articles per month.Get email updates from your favourite authors.<\/p>\n THIS ARTICLE IS FREE TO READ REGISTER TO UNLOCK.<\/p>\n Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience.<\/p>\n Access articles from across Canada with one accountShare your thoughts and join the conversation in the commentsEnjoy additional articles per monthGet email updates from your favourite authorsSign In or Create an Account<\/p>\n or<\/p>\n Article content<\/p>\n If Brock Boeser<\/a> was applying for captaincy of the Vancouver Canucks<\/a>, that could be his opening statement.<\/p>\n Article content<\/p>\n Article content<\/p>\n Of course, the longest-serving member of the current club<\/a> wouldn\u2019t lobby for that lofty and influential position \u2014 that\u2019s simply not his style \u2014 but in a roster rebuild where the culture component is crucial, his devotion to the franchise and the city stands alone.<\/p>\n Canucks General Manager Ryan Johnson stated Tuesday there is no urgency to fill the vacant captaincy.<\/p>\n \u201cThrough my time in managing teams, I am a firm believer that the captaincy presents itself,\u201d he said. \u201cIt eventually rises to the surface, where you just don\u2019t have a choice. It\u2019s in your gut and everybody can feel it<\/a>.<\/p>\n \u201cI don\u2019t like forcing that position on someone that might change the dynamic of your team, or might change that player, when it (captaincy) is not that obvious or that accepted by a group. I\u2019ve seen it during my time as a player and as a GM in the AHL.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019ve been very strategic even about assistant captains, and I don\u2019t think those are things you just hand around. I think they\u2019re earned. We (hockey operations) are coming in with a clean slate and nothing is going to be assumed.<\/p>\n Canucks Report<\/p>\n Thanks for signing up!<\/p>\n Article content<\/p>\n Advertisement 3<\/p>\n This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below.<\/p>\n Article content<\/p>\n \u201cWe\u2019ll go through the initial parts of training camp and make some decisions on people that we think are here and able to deliver the environment that we intend to build.\u201d<\/p>\n It is customary for the best player to wear the \u201cC\u201d, but that\u2019s a slippery slope in a market that demands much more from its leader. It encompasses performance, accountability, availability, articulating, charity awareness and, above all, respect from teammates.<\/p>\n Boeser, 29, is a good player and a great person. He also got married in the offseason and is in a good place.<\/p>\n His professionalism in enduring trade deadline speculation, compassion for others, and willingness to own substandard performances, are what the rebuild is about. There will be plenty of pain and losing streaks, but he is the salve to help heal wounds because he has endured plenty on and off the ice.<\/p>\n Boeser also slogged through a sorrowful 2025-26 campaign that tested his mettle on several levels<\/a>.<\/p>\n There was a production drop to 22 goals after putting up 40 two seasons ago. There was the NHL\u2019s version of the \u201cGreen Jacket\u201d for the worst plus-minus rating (minus-48 ) more laughable than logical. It spoke more to the collective disconnect and the last-place Canucks giving up the most goals.<\/p>\n Advertisement 4<\/p>\n This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below.<\/p>\n Article content<\/p>\n Line changes were awkward and slow, defencemen were regularly caught pinching, and turnovers were too frequent. Just briefly hopping the boards and having nothing to do with easy even-strength goals surrendered by a young and evolving back end ran up the minuses.<\/p>\n Not that Boeser didn\u2019t own it.<\/p>\n His line was culpable, but the winger also battled nagging ailments throughout the season \u2014 he was often in treatment post-game \u2014 and never acknowledged injuries as an excuse for that plus-minus total.<\/p>\n \u201cIt obviously hurts, and I take pride in it,\u201d Boeser told this reporter in early April. \u201cIt\u2019s why I get so frustrated. I want guys to really focus on what the coaches are preaching, our plan going into games, and executing.<\/p>\n \u201cWe make so many mistakes and they turn into a goal, and it\u2019s every single game. That\u2019s where some of the immaturity is in our team. But it\u2019s part of the process and part of getting better.\u201d<\/p>\n When former captain Quinn Hughes<\/a> was dealt to the Minnesota Wild on Dec. 12 in a blockbuster trade, it shook the foundation and created a void. It is hard to replace a generational talent, and the ripple effect showed as production and losses piled up.<\/p>\n Advertisement 5<\/p>\n This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below.<\/p>\n Article content<\/p>\n Boeser went 15 games without scoring, and when the trade dominoes kept falling to force the Canucks into a roster rebuild, it took a toll. However, after the trade deadline, he responded with 14 points in 10 games, including a hat-trick on April 1.<\/p>\n \u201cThere was just a lot going on,\u201d added Boeser. \u201cI had some stuff going on mentally. Then you trade Quinn and it definitely shifts our whole team. Obviously, the way he drove play was crazy and he\u2019s one of my best friends. That hits you.<\/p>\n \u201cThe transition was tough and different with a lot of new faces, and we get to the deadline and trade more guys. Obviously, the direction was going rebuild and you can\u2019t be a problem. You\u2019ve got to help as much as you can.<\/p>\n \u201cI re-signed here and it\u2019s not like I\u2019m just going to quit on the team or the boys. I show up every day and try to be a good leader. It doesn\u2019t really change my mindset.\u201d<\/p>\n That sounds like a captain.<\/p>\n bkuzma@postmedia.com<\/a><\/p>\n Read More<\/p>\n Time, place align as Canucks hire Manny Malhotra as new head coach<\/p>\n![\"alt](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/2201090152.jpg\")
Vancouver Canucks winger Brock Boeser didn’t have a lot of smile about during the torturous 2025-26 season, but is willing to lead by example in the roster rebuild. Photo by Alex Goodlett \/Getty ImagesArticle content<\/p>\n![\"The](\"https:\/\/dcs-static.gprod.postmedia.digital\/21.3.1\/websites\/images\/identity\/logo-identity-vp.svg\"){kind=logo}
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Canucks winger Kiefer Sherwood, who was traded Jan. 26, celebrates his goal with Brock Boeser on Nov. 18 in Tampa. Photo by Bruce Bennett \/Getty Images<\/p>\n![\"Abbotsford](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/54564323346_a39ea55311_k_303238546.jpg\")
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