Canucks Announce Coaching Staff Updates

Vancouver, B.C. – Vancouver Canucks General Manager Jim Benning confirmed updates to the Canucks coaching staff today. Joining the team are Brad Shaw as Assistant Coach and Kyle Gustafson as Assistant/Special Assignment Coach. Assistant Coaches Nolan Baumgartner, Jason King, Goaltending Coach Ian Clark and Video Coach Darryl Seward, were all signed to contract extensions.

Additionally, Benning confirmed that Chris Higgins will resume his role as Assistant Director, Player Development, after supporting the coaching staff as Skill & Development Coach during the 2021 season and that the Canucks and Assistant Coach, Newell Brown have parted ways. 

“We’re excited to welcome two new members to our coaching staff,” said Head Coach Travis Green. “Brad has a vast amount of coaching experience and a strong technical mind for the game. Kyle is a bright, young coach who will help our team and strengthens our coaching staff.” 

“We recognize the hard work and sacrifice every member of our coaching staff showed over the past year and thank them for their commitment,” continued Green. “We’re pleased to have them re-sign and continue the quality work they’re doing. Lastly, on behalf of our entire team, I want to thank Newell Brown for his commitment and dedication over the past four years. We wish Newell and his family the very best and future success.”

Shaw, 57, joins the Canucks from the Columbus Blue Jackets where he spent the last five seasons primarily in charge of the Blue Jackets defence, helping the team to a cumulative 193-133-46 record. Columbus made the playoffs in each of Shaw’s first four seasons, including a first round upset against the Presidents’ Trophy-winning Tampa Bay Lightning in 2019.20, when the Blue Jackets allowed only eight goals in a four-game sweep.

Shaw previously served as an Assistant and Associate Coach of the St. Louis Blues from 2006 to 2016, and before that served as Interim Head Coach of the New York Islanders during the 2005.06 season. He made his NHL coaching debut as an Assistant Coach with the Tampa Bay Lightning in 1999.00 before splitting the next five seasons between the IHL and AHL as both a Head Coach and Assistant Coach. 

Originally selected 86th overall in the 1982 NHL Entry Draft by the Detroit Red Wings, Shaw recorded 159 points (22-137-159), including 94 on the power play, in 377 career games with the Hartford Whalers, Ottawa Senators, Washington Capitals, and St. Louis Blues.

Gustafson joins the club from the WHL’s Portland Winterhawks, where he most recently served as Assistant General Manager and Associate Coach. The Portland, Oregon native has worked 18 years for the Winter Hawks starting in 2003.04 as Assistant Coach.