Green: I want to remain Vancouver's coach 'long term'

Vancouver Canucks head coach Travis Green is making it clear he wants to remain with his team for the long haul.

General manager Jim Benning said last week that the financial ramifications of the COVID-19 pandemic were impacting a potential extension for Green, who has just one year left on his contract.

"I understand it. I've had some dialogue with Jim and kicked some things around," Green told Sportsnet's Iain MacIntyre. "For me, the biggest thing is that we're always on the same page, and we have been from Day 1. The fact Jim wants to extend me fits with what I want to do."

The Canucks hired Green in 2017 after he spent the previous four seasons coaching the team's AHL affiliate. He helped guide Vancouver to its first playoff victory in 2011 this past season.

The 49-year-old has been instrumental in the Canucks' rebuild, helping the team's young stars progress and re-establishing the club as a contender.

"When I first came to Vancouver, we talked about building this team up and taking the proper steps to do it," Green said. "I still want to coach this team and win in Vancouver, not just now and not just next year but for the long term. We'll see how this plays out during the pandemic and revisit it."

He added: "When you ask me if I want to stay in Vancouver, of course I do. It’s not even a question in my mind. I can't imagine winning a Stanley Cup in any city but Vancouver."