Report: Former Blackhawks Assistant Kevin Dean Expected to Join Canucks Coaching Staff
The Vancouver Canucks appear to be making progress in assembling their coaching staff under new head coach Adam Foote. According to a report from The Athletic’s Thomas Drance, former Chicago Blackhawks assistant coach Kevin Dean is expected to join the Canucks’ bench next season. Dean and the Blackhawks reportedly parted ways in mid-May, and shortly after, Rick Dhaliwal of CHEK suggested on “Donnie & Dhali” that Dean could be a strong candidate for Vancouver’s staff.
Dean brings with him a wealth of experience at both the NHL and AHL levels. Most recently, he was part of Team USA’s coaching staff at the 2025 IIHF World Championship, where the Americans claimed their first gold medal in over 90 years. That team included current Canucks forward Conor Garland and newly acquired Drew O’Connor.
Before joining the U.S. national team for the tournament, Dean spent three seasons behind the bench with the Blackhawks and five seasons prior with the Boston Bruins. His coaching résumé also includes a decade in the AHL, working with the Lowell Devils and the Providence Bruins. As a player, Dean enjoyed an NHL career that spanned close to 10 years, suiting up for the New Jersey Devils, Atlanta Thrashers, Dallas Stars, and Chicago Blackhawks.
Dean is expected to take on a role focused on the defensive side of the game for Vancouver. With Adam Foote and Dean both leaning toward defensive coaching, the Canucks are now in need of an assistant who can focus on improving their offense — an area that lagged behind last season. Adding a coach with an offensive mindset is likely the next step for the team as they aim to balance their coaching approach and get more out of their forward group.
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