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Gillis wants new Canucks coach by July 5

Mike Gillis

Vancouver Canucks’ general manager Mike Gillis listens to a reporter’s question during a news conference in Vancouver, British Columbia, on Thursday, May 14, 2009. The Canucks have nine unrestricted free agents and four restricted free agents. Goaltender Roberto Luongo, defenseman Willie Mitchell and forward Ryan Kesler are all entering the final year of their NHL hockey contracts. (AP Photo/The Canadian Press,Darryl Dyck)

AP

Canucks general manager Mike Gillis thinks he’ll have his new head coach in place by July 5, the start of free agency in the NHL.

Gillis shared his hiring timeline today on Team 1040 radio in Vancouver.

It’s a slightly longer timeline than the ones provided by Rangers GM Glen Sather and Stars GM Jim Nill, each of whom have said they’d like their new bench boss hired in time for the NHL draft, which goes June 30.

For the Canucks, we can think of at least three reasons to wait. 1) Dave Tippett’s contract with Phoenix runs out at the end of the month. 2) John Stevens, an assistant with the Kings, is still coaching in the playoffs. 3) Ditto for Dan Bylsma.

Will any of the above three be available for interviews soon? It’s possible that’s what the Canucks are waiting to find out.

Related: Eakins gets second interview with Canucks