The Vancouver Canucks have officially announced the addition of Kevin Dean, Brett McLean, and Scott Young to their coaching staff, joining Head Coach Adam Foote for the upcoming 2025-26 NHL season. The announcement signals a significant restructuring of the Canucks' coaching team, with Assistant Coach Yogi Svejkovský, Defensive Development Coach Sergei Gonchar, and Video Coach Dylan Crawford not returning.
General Manager Patrik Allvin emphasized the thoroughness of the coaching search, highlighting the desire to find individuals who are "good teachers, good communicators, and good people." He expressed confidence in Foote's ability to assemble a well-rounded staff with a strong mix of experience and expertise.
Kevin Dean, 56, brings a wealth of defensive coaching experience to Vancouver. He recently concluded his third season as an Assistant Coach with the Chicago Blackhawks, where he focused on working with the team's defensemen and developing young talent. Before his time in Chicago, Dean spent five seasons as an Assistant Coach with the Boston Bruins (2017-2022) and several years with their AHL affiliate, the Providence Bruins. Dean's coaching career began in 2006 within the New Jersey Devils organization. Foote has assigned Dean to oversee the Canucks' defensive unit and penalty kill, citing Dean's communication skills and the immediate connection they established during their conversations. Dean also served as an Assistant Coach for Team USA at the 2025 World Championships, where he helped lead the team to a gold medal victory, alongside current Canucks players Conor Garland and Drew O'Connor. As a player, Dean played 331 NHL games and won a Stanley Cup with the New Jersey Devils in 1995.
Brett McLean, 46, will be responsible for the Canucks' power play. He joins the team after spending the previous two seasons as the Head Coach of the Iowa Wild, the Minnesota Wild's AHL affiliate. Prior to his head coaching role, McLean served as an Assistant Coach for the Minnesota Wild for three seasons, helping the team reach the Stanley Cup Playoffs each year. McLean's 18-year professional playing career included 385 NHL games with the Chicago Blackhawks, Colorado Avalanche, and Florida Panthers. Foote expressed his admiration for McLean's presentations and game plans, also noting McLean's ability to forge successful relationships with players. McLean is a native of Comox, B.C.
Scott Young, 57, transitions to an Assistant Coach role after serving as the Canucks' Director of Player Personnel for the past three seasons. Before joining Vancouver, Young spent five years as the Director of Player Development for the Pittsburgh Penguins. Foote described Young as the team's "glue guy," highlighting his versatility and ability to support all members of the coaching staff. Young will also contribute to the power play alongside McLean and work on special projects with Player Development Coaches Henrik and Daniel Sedin, and Jason Krog. During his impressive 17-season NHL career, Young played 1,181 games for seven different teams, including the Hartford Whalers, Quebec Nordiques, Colorado Avalanche and St. Louis Blues, winning the Stanley Cup with Pittsburgh in 1991 and Colorado in 1996.
With these additions, the Canucks' coaching staff for the 2025-26 season is taking shape, blending experience with fresh perspectives as they prepare for the challenges ahead.
