In this series, Heavy Sports is looking at what every NHL team has done over the offseason. Next up is the Vancouver Canucks. Vancouver had a disappointing season this past year as they finished last in the NHL with a 25-49-8 record, which gave them 58 points in the standings. This has led to a rebuilding phase for the Canucks as they shuffled the deck by bringing in a fresh management and coaching staff. Ryan Johnson takes over as GM with the Sedin brothers supporting him in hockey operations. Manny Malhotra takes over behind the bench; he is the father of their 2026 top draft pick, Caleb Malhotra.
Who are Vancouver’s Additions?
Key additions: Paul Cotter, Brendan Gallagher, Caleb Malhotra, Jamie Oleksiak, Luke Schenn, Matthew Stienburg, Akil Thomas, Trey Fix-Wolansky
Malhotra is the most notable add as he was selected by Vancouver with the third overall pick in the draft. He is likely a year out from featuring on this roster, but he should be a foundational piece that this team can build around for the future. Brendan Gallagher was brought over from the Montreal Canadiens. Gallagher is a solid veteran piece that the youth can lean on. He amassed seven goals and 16 assists for 23 points in 77 games last season. Jamie Oleksiak and Luke Schenn provide physicality on the blueline. Paul Cotter is a swiss-army knife depth add from the New Jersey Devils.
Who are Vancouver’s Subtractions?
Key subtractions: Nils Aman, Teddy Blueger, Curtis Douglas, Derek Forbort, Nils Hoglander, Pierre-Olivier Joseph, Evander Kane, Joseph LaBate, Jiri Patera, Marcus Pettersson
There are not many notable departures from this team. Evander Kane was not resigned after what was a turbulent year for him back in his hometown. A Pettersson was moved, but not the one that was expected. Defenseman Marcus Pettersson was shipped off to the New York Rangers. Otherwise, most of the loses for this team consist of secondary role players. Elias Pettersson remains with the club after speculation that he would be moved this summer.
Overall, the direction of this team is clear. This is not a team that will be competing for a spot in the postseason this year. This projects to be another bottom-feeder season in Vancouver. But that is the plan; doing so will allow them to restock the prospect cupboard. The Canucks should be one of the top teams in play to land the favorite to go first overall in the 2027 draft, Landon DuPont. DuPont is a generational defensive prospect that would be a massive piece for this team. Either way, there are a plethora of talented players in this upcoming draft. Vancouver leaving this campaign with another top youth core player thrown in the mix would be a success. This will be a long process for this new front office when it comes to propelling this team back to respected status after a tumultuous last couple seasons. Patience will be the key in Vancouver as this team embarks on a much-needed rebuilding journey.
All transactions are available via Puck Pedia.
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