The bench boss has expressed his thoughts about his new comrades.
On Thursday, new Vancouver Canucks head coach Adam Foote spoke to the media. He was asked about the team’s new hiring of Kevin Dean, Brett McLean and Scott Young as assistant coaches for the 2025-26 campaign.
Dean had worked with the Chicago Blackhawks under Luke Richardson, ran the defence and penalty kill for the past three seasons. He also served a similar role while working with Bruce Cassidy and the Boston Bruins, helping guide the team to the Stanley Cup Final in 2019.
Foote, who was at a Toronto Blue Jays game before the virtual press conference, started off by saying how he liked Chicago ran its special teams, especially when down a player.
“I always liked how Chicago killed penalties,” Foote said “I was wondering what that connection was.”
Foote stated that he learned more about Dean by reaching out to some of Dean’s former colleagues and players, such as former Bruins interim head coach Joe Sacco and former Blackhawks and current Florida Panthers defenceman Seth Jones. Foote recognized how Canucks forward Conor Garland played under Dean and head coach Ryan Warsofsky at the 2025 IIHF Men’s World Championship.
“[Dean and I] actually opened up the relationship real early. We spoke almost every day throughout the world championship. He did a great job with [Garland] on that team.”
Along with his pedigree, Foote is intrigued by his approach to the game and his job.
“I believe his personality and the way he carries himself, with that calm demeanor, is what I was looking for. I feel like he’s going to be himself…being strong back there, and if things get shaky. He’s got a ton of experience, and the way we spoke about the game, felt like I’ve known him a very long time, and, you know, I knew within the second or third phone call that this was the guy for us.”
Scott Young, who’s served as the Canucks director of player personnel since the 2022-23 season, was another easy choice for Foote. Someone who won a Stanley Cup with Foote and the Colorado Avalanche in 1996, playing over 1,100 games and is a member of the U.S. Hockey Hall of Fame.
“Someone that I would call the glue guy…and someone that I trust and respect.”
Foote said that Young previously hadn’t been able to put the time into being a coach, but he’s now ready to step behind the bench.
“I’m really excited to have his knowledge,” Foote mentioned. “He’s there to support all of us in that coaching group….I guess you would call it the glue guy, going around and making sure everyone’s just okay, and sending the message out. I think he’s a big part of this.”
McLean had been working with the Minnesota Wild for the past eight seasons, serving as both an assistant and head coach of their American Hockey League affiliate, the Iowa Wild, as well as holding an assistant job for three seasons in Minnesota.
Foote admitted it was difficult looking for someone with head coaching experience but could fit into a supporting role on the staff. However, after a conversation with former Wild head coach and active Columbus Blue Jackets bench boss Dean Evason, he knew McLean was the guy for the job, and is expected to run the Canucks’ power play.
“I’ve known Brett a very long time…I needed to hear what I felt I knew, and [Evason] really liked Brett…his presentations and game plan are big, and it’s something I always felt about Brett.”
Foot pointed out that McLean was trying to be swayed to join Joel Quenneville and the Anaheim Ducks, proving the attention he’s earned during his time with the Wild organization.
Also during the presser, Foote confirmed that the Canucks were interested in adding former New York Rangers and San Jose Sharks head coach David Quinn, who elected to return to the Rangers as an assistant under Mike Sullivan.
