He played three seasons with the Devils until he was traded to the Vancouver Canucks on September 15, 1987, along with Kirk McLean for Patrik Sundstrom and a fourth round pick in the 1988 NHL Entry Draft (Matt Ruchty).

During the 1994 Stanley Cup Playoffs, Adams scored a goal in what many Canucks fans believe to be one of the greatest moments in team history.

He would also score the overtime winner in Game 1 of that Stanley Cup Finals against the New York Rangers.

After Phoenix, Adams played one season (2000–01) with the Florida Panthers and then retired from the NHL.

Unfortunately, Adams was often plagued with the injury bug and only once managed to play one full season.