The Vancouver Canucks are in the market for a new assistant coach after Mike Yeo left to pursue opportunities closer to home. Could the organization bring back a former fan favourite to fill the role?
During a segment on Sekeres and Price where fans send in questions and comments, one person made a bold take, saying that former Canuck Alex Burrows would join the team as an assistant coach, which was then discussed on the podcast.
"Yeah, well it's not about the market's affinity for the person, although, Alex Burrows is beloved here in Vancouver, it's about whether Rick Tocchet can work with him. I like the shout that he can work on both the powerplay and penalty kill units.
As we know, Tocchet is looking for a senior assistant, and after putting in some time here with the Montreal Canadiens, I would think that Alex now qualifies as a senior assistant in the NHL. Plus, wonderful story bringing him full circle, back to the market where he made his name."
As we know, Tocchet is looking for a senior assistant, and after putting in some time here with the Montreal Canadiens, I would think that Alex now qualifies as a senior assistant in the NHL. Plus, wonderful story bringing him full circle, back to the market where he made his name."
Burrows, 43, has been coaching with the Montreal Canadiens organization since 2018. He started out as an assistant coach with their American Hockey League affiliate, the Laval Rocket, before being promoted to the big club in Montreal, in the same role, in 2021. Under Burrows, the Canadiens' powerplay hasn't looked great, but at times this past season there were encouraging signs of it getting stronger with Nick Suzuki, Cole Caufield and Juraj Slafkovsky on the first unit.
The Pincourt, Quebec native went undrafted and eventually signed with the Vancouver Canucks as free agent in 2005. He went on to 12 seasons with the Canucks between 2005 and 2017, before he was dealt to the Ottawa Senators. In 882 games in Vancouver, Burrows had 384 points (193 goals, 191 assists), 1,066 penalty minutes and was a plus-106.
The Pincourt, Quebec native went undrafted and eventually signed with the Vancouver Canucks as free agent in 2005. He went on to 12 seasons with the Canucks between 2005 and 2017, before he was dealt to the Ottawa Senators. In 882 games in Vancouver, Burrows had 384 points (193 goals, 191 assists), 1,066 penalty minutes and was a plus-106.
