Could Marco Sturm make sense as Canucks coach?
A new name has emerged in the Vancouver Canucks’ search for a head coach. Marco Sturm, head coach of the Los Angeles Kings’ AHL affiliate, very well could be in the mix.
A new name has emerged in the Vancouver Canucks‘ search for a head coach.
Marco Sturm, head coach of the Los Angeles Kings’ AHL affiliate, very well could be in the mix.
Irfaan Gaffar was first to report the Canucks had talked to Sturm.
“Here’s the reason I think that’s an interesting name. No. 1, he wants to make the jump,” Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman said on the 32 Thoughts Podcast. “He’s yery interested in making the jump from the AHL to the NHL. Secondly, he fits the profile of a guy who would be very happy to be the head coach of the Vancouver Canucks.
“A guy who may not be on the top of any list, but a guy who’s ambitious, a guy who understands players, a guy who has respect. People respect Sturm. He’s got a good reputation.”
Sturm, 46, has coached the AHL’s Ontario Reign the past three seasons after being an assistant coach for the Kings for the previous four.
Sturm also coached his native Germany to a men’s hockey silver medal at the 2018 Pyeongchang Olympics.
As a player, Sturm had 438 points in 938 career games with the San Jose Sharks, Boston Bruins, Kings, Canucks (six games), Washington Capitals and Florida Panthers.
Friedman said it wouldn’t surprise him if Sturm also was on the Bruins’ radar as they continue their search for a coach.
The Canucks’ job opened when Rick Tocchet decided he would not return last month.
