Rumor: Canucks already have a candidate to replace Bruce Boudreau.

The Vancouver Canucks and current bench boss Bruce Boudreau have not had the start to the season that they would have liked. 

With 16 games played so far this season and a record of 4-9-3, the Canucks currently sit second to last in the National Hockey League's Pacific Division, with only the Anaheim Ducks below them. While all of the blame certainly cannot be placed on the shoulders of a lone man, there's no question that the aforementioned Bruce Boudreau finds himself on the hot seat as a result of the poor start.

Recently NHL insider Elliotte Friedman was asked about the situation in Vancouver, one that got pretty ugly last week thanks in large part to public comments made by Canucks general manager Jim Rutherford. Friedman left very little doubt when speaking about the matter that he believes Boudreau will be fired by the Canucks, the only question now is when will Rutherford pull the trigger.

"We all see where it is headed, it is a matter of when," admitted Friedman. "Do not know when but we recognize it will be made. If you are not happy, make the change."

Interestingly enough Friedman hinted at a possible candidate to replace Boudreau, this in spite of the fact that he hasn't even been fired yet.

"You hear Rick Tocchet, and other names," said Friedman.

The mention of Tocchet here is particularly interesting given that Rutherford and Tocchet have a relatively recent history together. Both men won Stanley Cups as members of the Pittsburgh Penguins in 2016 and 2017 respectively, with Tocchet coaching for the Penguins at the time while Rutherford was at the helm of the organization as its general manager. The two men are no doubt extremely familiar with one another as a result, having worked together within the Penguins organization for many years and Tocchet is currently a free agent so his name makes a ton of sense.

As for Boudreau he is of course a well respected head coach in the league, one with a total of 603 wins under his belt in the NHL and is beloved by fans across the league. If his time in Vancouver does end unceremoniously we are confident that he will bounce back in short order.