Ian Clark and his demotion: Already linked to another team and former Canucks goalie

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Cooper Godin
September 27, 2024 (9:31)

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Ian Clark may reportedly leave the Vancouver Canucks organization after changing roles last month.

Back in August, the Canucks made some changes to their goaltending staff, with former head goalie coach Ian Clark requesting a different role. Clark transitioned into a goaltending development coach and and goalie scouting role with the organization, with Marko Torenius being promoted to goaltending coach of the Vancouver Canucks.

"With Clarkie wanting something different at the hockey club, we were extremely fortunate to have Marko in the system and ready to take on the responsibility of becoming our new goaltending coach in Vancouver. Unfortunately, Ian can no longer go on the ice regularly to do the things that have made him successful. But this new role will fit with his expertise and having Clarkie going out to find and develop talent will be a big asset to the organization." Patrik Allvin said back in August.

On Friday's edition of the 32 Thoughts podcast, Sportsnet insider Elliotte Friedman was discussing the Vancouver Canucks and mentioned that Ian Clark may move on, with the organization's blessing and named the New Jersey Devils as a potential landing spot.

The main reason why the New Jersey Devils would make the most sense is because of Jacob Markstrom. Clark played a huge role in helping Jacob Markstrom during the 2019-20 season before he left for the Calgary Flames as free agent in the fall of 2020. Markstrom even named his son after Ian Clark.

Clark, 58, has been with the Vancouver Canucks organization for a total of 12 years over two separate stints and even earned a promotion ahead of the 2023-24 campaign, being named Director of Goaltending.

The Vancouver native has been instrumental in helping a number of goaltenders reach their potential including the aforementioned Jacob Markstrom, Roberto Luongo and Thatcher Demko. If he happens to leave and head to New Jersey, it'll be big news for the organization as a whole, but also some of the younger guys including Nico Daws and Tyler Brennan.