Green's success with Canucks hinges considerably on Sedin twins

Jim Cerny

Green's success with Canucks hinges considerably on Sedin twins image

Travis Green was hired as head coach of the Canucks, in part, because of his strong teaching skills and familiarity with the organization's top young players, many of whom he coached previously in the minor league's at Vancouver's AHL affiliate in Utica over the past four years. 

While there will be a comfort level between the rookie NHL coach and the Canucks youngsters right from the start, Green's success -- and that of the team -- hinges greatly on his relationship with the Sedin twins. It's one thing to push, prod and mentor young players trying to make their mark in the National Hockey League, it's another skill altogether to get your star players to buy in to what you're selling and perform at such a level that the rest of the roster falls into line.

How does Green plan on gaining the trust of Henrik and Daniel Sedin, and how will he treat Vancouver's twin stars?

"That's not an easy question," Green told Sporting News. "I'm going to treat them like every other player on the team, but I'm also going to treat them like the Sedins. They're great players, Hall of Famers, leaders on the team and in the community. I've talked to them already. They know my expectations."

 

Green does have respectable cred when it comes to the NHL. He played in 970 career games over 14 NHL seasons, scoring 193 goals and totaling 455 points. He may be a rookie coach, but he's no newcomer to the National Hockey League scene. That will help initially in dealing with not only the Sedins, but all of the veterans on the Canucks roster.

MORE: Travis Green opens up to Sporting News

"I don't have experience coaching in this league, but I've lived it for a long time," explained Green. "I have a very good understanding of the players coming into the league now and those that have been entering the league for a while now, the so-called New Age Player. I've been around those players a long time, played with them, coached them. I think I have a good understanding of today's player, younger ones and veterans."

Green is hailed as a strong communicator, and that skill will go a long way to reaching the Sedins and the youngsters on the roster.

"The players always know where they stand with me, always know what's expected, and I do believe in communicating because I don't like for there to be any grey areas," stated Green.

 

Last season both Sedins saw their production drop as Vancouver finished with the second-worst record in the league. Henrik, the team's captain, finished second on the club with 50 points, surpassing the 1,000-point milestone along the way. Daniel dipped to 44 points, third on the team, but 17 fewer than the season before and 32 off his 2014-15 pace.

"They're hungry to come back and have a bounce-back year, as individuals and as a team," Green said of the Sedins who both turn 37 later this month. "That's a good place to start."

Jim Cerny