Maple Leafs Could Lose Key Exec as Canucks Expand GM Search

The Vancouver Canucks and Toronto Maple Leafs are both actively searching for a new general manager. What’s interesting about the process is that each team might end up speaking with the other team’s current or former executives.

A new report suggests that the Canucks added two new names to their list, and on Wednesday, one insider reports that they just asked for permission to interview Shane Doan, who is currently a special advisor in Toronto.

Canucks Want to Talk to Doan

According to a report by Elliotte Friedman, “Add a name to Vancouver’s hockey operations search: According to several sources, the Canucks asked Toronto for permission to speak to special advisor to the GM, Shane Doan.”

He adds, “Doan, who played 1,540 NHL games from 1995-2017, was hired by the Maple Leafs in June 2023. He received strong recent reviews from other members of the organization for how he handled things as this season went sideways. One example: He wasn’t afraid to admit his own mistakes and how he’d fix them.”

It’s an interesting development for the Canucks, who seem to be turning over every rock in an attempt to find the right person to take over their hockey operations. I wrote in a recent rumors article, “The Canucks, who have a long history of bringing in familiar leadership, are now without an obvious internal successor. With Jim Rutherford’s tenure expected to wind down, ownership is trying to decide if it should follow the trend of hiring a new, first-time GM.”

In other words, the Canucks want to bring in someone who will completely run the show when Rutherford steps down, and that doesn’t necessarily scream Shane Doan. Friedman adds, “What potential role the Canucks see for Doan is unclear. He’s never expressed a desire to be a full-time GM, but could definitely be a part of a group.”

As for the Maple Leafs, it’s unclear if the team had any plans to promote Doan from within.

The Canucks Also Want to Talk with Kevyn Adams

The Canucks also reached out to the Buffalo Sabres and asked to interview former general manager Kevyn Adams. Because he still had term on his contract when he was released, Vancouver needed permission to move forward with the interview.

According to a report by The Athletic:

“The Vancouver Canucks have requested and been granted permission to interview former Buffalo Sabres general manager Kevyn Adams for their vacant GM position, according to a league source. The source was granted anonymity because they are not authorized to speak publicly about the Canucks’ search.”

source – ‘Canucks request permission to interview Kevyn Adams for GM position: Source’ – Matthew Fairburn and Thomas Drance – The Atheltic – 04/21/2026

Again, there are some questions about the Canucks decision to speak with a GM who doesn’t seem like an obvious choice. While Adams should be given credit for the team he assembled in Buffalo, which is now achieving playoff success, there are reports that he micromanaged the players and the coach there, and it might not be a coincidence that after he was relieved, the Sabers went on a long run.

Other Maple Leafs GM Candidates

As for where the Maple Leafs are with their GM search, they continue to conduct interviews. Chris Pronger confirmed that he has not interviewed for the role, while names like Boston Bruins AGM Evan Gold and New York Rangers Associate GM Ryan Martin are emerging as key finalists.

Also high on the list remains a former Canucks GM, Mike Gillis.

It would be something if the Canucks chose a Leafs guy and the Leafs chose a former Canucks guy. That development would prove just how small the hockey world really is.