Report: Vancouver Canucks linked to Claude Julien

Claude Julien, a former Boston Bruins and Montreal Canadiens coach, is one of Friedman's possibilities.

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''Some of that is because the organization is doing external research on potential candidates, both in the front office and behind the bench. Obviously, you try to keep that as quiet as possible, but there's always the risk of leakage. Team Canada is expected to name Claude Julien as its head coach at the upcoming Channel One and Spengler Cups, with the added possibility of coaching the Olympic Team if NHLers don't go. (Bruce Boudreau and Scott Walker are the expected assistants.)

It is believed that if the Canucks wished to speak to Julien, for example, Montreal would not block permission.

It's stressful, and everyone internally -- from the offices to the dressing room -- is on-edge waiting for something to happen. Best way out is for everyone to row in the same direction, but that clearly isn't happening.''

- Elliotte Friedman, Sportsnet