Tag: Vancouver Canucks

Zeev Buium ready to earn Canucks’ long-term faith

By IceHockeyMan Editorial Team | Published: October 6, 2026, 09:37 CEST

Story Summary

Zeev Buium has made clear that Vancouver’s sizeable long-term commitment will not lessen the standards he sets for himself. The 20-year-old defenceman signed an eight-year, $75.04 million contract on Sept. 4, with a $9.38 million average annual value, after arriving from the Minnesota Wild in the Quinn Hughes trade.

The deal does not begin until the 2027-28 season, but Buium is already being asked to carry meaningful responsibility. Four games into the season, he is playing on Vancouver’s top defence pair to the left of Filip Hronek, averaging 21:40 per game and working on the second power-play unit.

Buium said his focus is on validating the organisation’s belief through daily improvement rather than being distracted by external expectations. He wants to become a player trusted against elite opposition and in more key situations, including penalty killing and protecting leads.

Key Facts

Zeev Buium signed an eight-year, $75.04 million contract with Vancouver on Sept. 4; its average annual value is $9.38 million and it begins in 2027-28.
Vancouver acquired Buium from Minnesota on Dec. 12 in the Quinn Hughes trade, alongside Liam Ohgren, Marco Rossi and a first-round pick in the 2026 NHL Draft.
Buium recorded 12 points, including three goals, in 45 games for Vancouver after posting 14 points, including three goals, in 31 games for Minnesota.
Minnesota selected Buium 12th overall in the 2024 NHL Draft.
He made his NHL debut in Game 1 of the 2025 Western Conference First Round against the Vegas Golden Knights and had one assist in four playoff games.
Four games into the current season, Buium was seeking his first point while averaging 21:40 of ice time, second among Canucks defencemen behind Filip Hronek’s 25:52.
Buium has been skating on Vancouver’s top pair to Hronek’s left and on the second power-play unit.
Vancouver opened the season with a 6-5 overtime win at Edmonton on Sept. 29 and stood at 2-2-0 before its upcoming road trip opener in Carolina.

IHM Discussion

The contract is a forceful statement of faith in Buium’s upside, but the more revealing detail is the way Vancouver is handling his present role. He is receiving substantial ice time and a assignment, yet the coaching staff is not presenting his development as complete. Manny Malhotra has stressed the need to give young players opportunities while also placing them in situations where they can succeed, accepting that some vulnerable shifts are part of becoming a rounded professional.

That framing fits Buium’s own stated ambition. He does not simply want offensive opportunity; he wants to become dependable against the game’s best forwards, make sound puck decisions and add penalty-killing and 5-on-6 duties to his workload. Those are distinct areas of growth from his current second-unit power-play usage.

Buium entered the League with a strong offensive profile. In his sophomore season at the University of Denver, he produced 48 points, with 13 goals and 35 assists, in 41 games. Malhotra has pointed to his confidence with the puck, skating, vision and desire for information as important foundations. The next stage is to turn those tools into repeatable all-situations value at NHL pace.

Why It Matters

Vancouver has committed major money and eight years to a player who has appeared in 76 NHL regular-season games across Minnesota and Vancouver. That does not make every part of Buium’s game a finished product; it makes his progression central to the Canucks’ long-term blue-line planning.

His early deployment gives him a demanding platform. Playing beside Hronek, logging more than 21 minutes a night and contributing on the power play will test his ability to handle possession, retrievals and defensive reads under pressure. Buium’s stated wish to face the League’s leading attackers also underlines the level of responsibility he is seeking.

For the player, the immediate task is not to chase the contract’s value through individual production. It is to continue earning trust shift by shift, grow more comfortable in the way he wants to play and show that he can be used in the difficult moments he has identified.

IHM Market Outlook

Buium’s contract provides unusually clear long-range certainty: eight years, $75.04 million in total value and a $9.38 million average annual value, with the agreement beginning in 2027-28. The timing matters because the commitment has been made before he has completed a full NHL season in Vancouver and while his role is still expanding.

The Canucks’ investment is therefore tied to the player they believe he can become, as well as the production and puck confidence he has already shown. Buium has described the agreement as meaningful because it reflects the club’s belief in him, while insisting that he intends to earn that belief throughout the deal rather than regard it as settled by the signing itself.

There is no need to force a broader comparison to other contracts. The material point is Vancouver’s willingness to establish a long-term financial framework around a 20-year-old defenceman acquired in a major trade.

Mini Q&A

What are the terms of Zeev Buium’s Canucks contract?

Buium signed for eight years and $75.04 million, carrying a $9.38 million average annual value. The contract begins in the 2027-28 season.

How did Buium join Vancouver?

The Canucks acquired him from the Minnesota Wild on Dec. 12 in the Quinn Hughes trade, along with Liam Ohgren, Marco Rossi and a first-round pick in the 2026 NHL Draft.

What is Buium’s current role with the Canucks?

He is playing on the top defence pair to the left of Filip Hronek, averaging 21:40 per game and skating on the second power-play unit. Buium has said he wants to earn penalty-killing and other key-situation work.

Coach Mark Comment

The encouraging element is that Buium’s ambitions are specific. Wanting tougher match-ups, penalty-killing work and better decisions with the puck points towards the habits required of a complete NHL defenceman, not merely a player seeking more touches on the power play. The coaching challenge is to keep exposing him to demanding shifts without making every difficult situation a referendum on his development. His current minutes alongside Hronek offer a useful environment for that balance.

What Comes Next

Vancouver is scheduled to open a six-game road trip at the Carolina Hurricanes on Thursday. Buium’s usage alongside Hronek, his second-unit power-play role and any further responsibilities in key situations will remain the immediate checkpoints as the trip begins.

IHM Final View

Buium has received a substantial vote of confidence from Vancouver, but neither he nor the Canucks are treating the contract as an endpoint. The early evidence is of a talented young defenceman being trusted with serious minutes while being developed deliberately. His own target is straightforward: keep improving, earn broader responsibility and repay the organisation’s faith over the full life of the commitment.

Oilers face defensive reset after Canucks OT loss

By IceHockeyMan Editorial Team | Published: September 30, 2026, 11:47 CEST

Story Summary

Mike Babcock’s Edmonton Oilers began the regular season with a 6-5 overtime loss to the Vancouver Canucks at Rogers Place, and the new head coach made clear that the defensive performance fell below his standard.

Edmonton recovered from a three-goal third-period deficit to force overtime, powered by Evan Bouchard’s hat trick and two assists and two third-period goals from Vasily Podkolzin. But the comeback did not alter Babcock’s assessment. Vancouver created breakaways, odd-man rushes and chances around the net, while Paul Cotter’s second goal of the night settled the contest 1:59 into overtime after Ryan Shea lost the puck along the left boards.

Babcock said the Oilers had “serious work to do” after drifting away from the structure they are expected to play. Goaltender Tristan Jarry, who allowed six goals on 23 shots, accepted his own responsibility, but also faced a demanding stream of high-quality opportunities.

Key Facts

Mike Babcock’s first regular-season game as Oilers coach ended in a 6-5 overtime loss to the Vancouver Canucks at Rogers Place.
Babcock replaced Kris Knoblauch on June 23 after coming out of retirement.
The game was tied 2-2 heading into the third period before Vancouver scored three times in 4:05, with Elias Pettersson scoring a power-play goal at 5:15.
Evan Bouchard recorded a hat trick and two assists for five points.
Vasily Podkolzin scored twice in the third period, including the power-play equaliser with 43 seconds remaining.
Tristan Jarry conceded six goals on 23 shots and said he needed to make one or two additional saves.
Paul Cotter forced a Ryan Shea turnover along the left boards and scored at 1:59 of overtime after receiving Max Sasson’s pass.
Babcock said Edmonton gave up three chances in overtime in a minute and a half.
Training camp was shortened for an 84-game schedule, while veteran players were limited to two pre-season games.

IHM Discussion

The scoreline captured both sides of Edmonton’s opening night. The Oilers had enough attacking quality to erase a significant late deficit, and Bouchard’s five-point performance was the clearest individual expression of that threat. Podkolzin’s late power-play goal extended the game when Vancouver appeared to have established control.

Yet Babcock’s concern was not confined to the final overtime turnover. He pointed to a broader loss of detail after Edmonton started well, while Bouchard identified ill-judged pinches and odd-man rushes as plays that cannot continue. The Oilers’ defensive issue was therefore not simply the number of goals against. It was the repeated quality and type of chances conceded: transition opportunities, open players near the net and three chances allowed during a brief overtime sequence.

Jarry’s response was appropriately direct. A goaltender can reasonably expect to make a difficult stop during a six-goal night, and he said as much. At the same time, Edmonton’s skaters did not give him a stable platform. That distinction matters as the club assesses an opening result which included both a high-level offensive rally and a structure Babcock described as unacceptable.

There is also a practical context to the early adjustment. Babcock is a new voice for the group and had not coached an NHL game since being dismissed by the Toronto Maple Leafs 23 games into the 2019-20 season. Edmonton’s shortened camp and limited veteran pre-season workload reduced the time available to rehearse his preferred approach. Those factors explain neither the lapses nor the outcome, but they frame why the first game exposed work still to be done.

Why It Matters

Babcock was brought in to make Edmonton more responsible defensively and reduce the grade-A chances it allows. Opening night immediately tested that objective. The Oilers earned a point through their offence, but Babcock’s public message focused on the need to correct habits rather than celebrate the rally.

For Edmonton, the useful measure from here is not whether it can score enough to rescue games. That capability was already visible against Vancouver. The immediate challenge is whether the club can avoid the loose pinches, turnovers and unmarked threats that turned a close game into a chase. Babcock’s insistence on a better standard puts responsibility on the whole group, while Jarry’s comments show that the goaltender is also addressing his own performance.

Mini Q&A

What was the final score between Edmonton and Vancouver?

Vancouver defeated Edmonton 6-5 in overtime.

Who led Edmonton’s scoring?

Evan Bouchard scored a hat trick and added two assists for five points.

Why was Mike Babcock unhappy with the Oilers’ performance?

Babcock said Edmonton moved away from its required structure, while the team allowed breakaways, odd-man rushes and three overtime chances in a minute and a half.

When do the Oilers play Vancouver again?

Edmonton will face Vancouver again in Vancouver on Thursday to complete the home-and-home set.

Coach Mark Comment

Edmonton’s comeback should not obscure the sequence Babcock will want to address most urgently: preventable transition chances followed by a loose overtime finish. The coaching priority is likely to be clarity rather than complication. Players need consistent decisions at the opposition blue line, tighter support when possession is lost and better awareness of threats around their own net. Those are repeatable details, and Bouchard’s acknowledgement that several lapses were not system-related is important. The Oilers do not need to abandon their attacking strengths; they need to ensure those strengths do not leave their goaltender repeatedly exposed.

What Comes Next

Edmonton and Vancouver will complete their home-and-home set in Vancouver on Thursday.

IHM Final View

The Oilers salvaged a point and demonstrated the offence that can keep them in any game, but Babcock’s first message was about accountability, not consolation. A five-point night from Bouchard and a dramatic third-period recovery were significant, yet Edmonton cannot rely on late scoring to cover repeated defensive breakdowns. The second meeting with Vancouver offers a swift opportunity to apply the corrections Babcock has demanded.

Canucks target pre-Christmas Thatcher Demko return

By IceHockeyMan Editorial Team | Published: September 28, 2026, 20:01 CEST

Story Summary

The Vancouver Canucks are aiming to have Thatcher Demko back before Christmas, but co-president of hockey operations Henrik Sedin has stressed that the goaltender will not be rushed following hip surgery in January.

Demko, formerly Vancouver’s No. 1 goalie, will not be ready at the start of the season. Sedin said the organisation’s priority is to ensure the 30-year-old is fully fit before he returns, rather than committing to a firm date. “He won’t be ready early on, but our goal is to get him back before Christmas,”Sedin said.

The target offers a clearer broad window for Demko’s recovery, while preserving the caution Vancouver have repeated throughout the process. The Canucks will begin the season with Kevin Lankinen expected to start and recent waiver claim Leevi Merilainen set to provide goaltending depth.

Key Facts

Henrik Sedin said the Canucks are aiming to have Thatcher Demko back before Christmas, while making clear there is no fixed return timetable.
Demko underwent hip surgery in January after his last start on Jan. 10 and has been taking recovery steps every day, according to Sedin.
The 30-year-old played 20 games last season, going 8-10-1 with a 2.90 goals-against average, an.897 save percentage and one shutout.
Demko was a Vezina Trophy finalist in 2023-24, but knee injuries cost him the end of that regular season and all but one Stanley Cup Playoff game.
He has played 43 games across the past two seasons and described the hip operation as a “drastic measure.”
Demko said in April that he had played the previous two years with no internal rotation in his hip, placing added strain on his back, knees and groin.
In 262 NHL games, all with Vancouver, Demko is 134-99-21 with a 2.81 GAA, a .909 save percentage and 10 shutouts.
Kevin Lankinen is expected to start Vancouver’s season opener at the Edmonton Oilers, with Leevi Merilainen expected to join the Canucks for practice.
Merilainen was claimed off waivers from the Ottawa Senators and posted an 8-10-1 record, a 3.51 GAA and an.860 save percentage in 20 games last season.

IHM Discussion

The meaningful part of Vancouver’s update is not a promised Christmas return. It is the combination of a hoped-for window and an insistence that the date will not govern the player’s recovery.

Demko’s recent history explains that approach. His 2023-24 Vezina Trophy finalist campaign showed the level he can reach, but availability has become the overriding issue. He has appeared in only 43 games over the past two seasons, and last season ended after 20 appearances when he underwent surgery.

His own description of the problem underlined how broad the physical impact had become. Demko said limited hip rotation had forced other areas of his body to compensate. That context makes Vancouver’s focus on a complete recovery more significant than the calendar itself. The club are not presenting an early-season return as an option, and both Sedin and general manager Ryan Johnson have made clear that the process will move only when everyone is comfortable.

The immediate consequence is that Lankinen and Merilainen become central figures in the opening portion of the schedule. Lankinen is expected to receive the first start, while Merilainen arrives with NHL experience but uneven results across his two seasons in Ottawa. Vancouver have also faced an early back-to-back against Calgary and Vegas, giving the new tandem an immediate workload consideration.

For Demko, the next phase is less about matching his previous role quickly and more about completing a recovery that has been treated as a long-term health issue. The Canucks still know the standard he can offer when available: his career.909 save percentage has come over 262 games, all for the club. But their public stance is that returning fully ready matters more than returning by a particular day.

Why It Matters

Goaltending stability will shape Vancouver’s early season because Demko is unavailable and the club are deliberately avoiding a short-term timetable. Lankinen is expected to open as the starter, while Merilainen has an opportunity to establish himself after joining on waivers.

The larger significance concerns Demko’s long-term availability. His 2023-24 form put him among the League’s leading goaltenders, yet injuries have limited him sharply since. A successful return from surgery would give Vancouver the chance to reintroduce a goalie with an established record of high-level play. The organisation’s caution reflects the fact that another incomplete recovery would not meet the stated aim of addressing the issue properly.

Mini Q&A

When do the Canucks hope Thatcher Demko will return?

The Canucks are aiming to have Demko back before Christmas, though Henrik Sedin said there is no fixed timetable.

Why is Thatcher Demko unavailable?

Demko is recovering from hip surgery in January after playing 20 games last season. He said in April that restricted hip movement had contributed to strain on his back, knees and groin.

Who is expected to start in goal for Vancouver?

Kevin Lankinen is expected to start Vancouver’s season opener at Edmonton. Leevi Merilainen, claimed off waivers from Ottawa, is expected to join the team for practice.

Coach Mark Comment

The opening challenge for Vancouver is to manage the crease without asking either available goalie to solve the entire situation alone. Lankinen is expected to start the opener, and the early back-to-back makes Merilainen’s readiness relevant straight away. From a coaching perspective, the priority is a clear workload plan and defensive support that avoids turning the first weeks into an endurance test for the tandem.

Demko’s rehabilitation should remain separate from those short-term demands. The club’s stated standard is full fitness, and that is the correct threshold when the goaltender’s hip, back, knees and groin have all been part of the recent injury picture.

What Comes Next

Vancouver are scheduled to open the season at Edmonton on Tuesday, with Lankinen expected to start. Merilainen is expected to join practice, and the Canucks then face a back-to-back against Calgary and Vegas later in the opening stretch.

IHM Final View

Vancouver have provided a target for Thatcher Demko’s return without turning it into a deadline. Before Christmas remains the club’s aim, but the stronger message is that the goaltender will not return until he is fully ready. Until then, Lankinen and Merilainen will carry the immediate responsibility in the crease.

Canucks commit to rebuild under Sedins and Johnson

By IceHockeyMan Editorial Team | Published: September 22, 2026, 07:19 CEST

Story Summary

Vancouver has reset its hockey operations structure, with Daniel and Henrik Sedin serving as co-presidents and Ryan Johnson as general manager. The Canucks are pursuing a longer-term rebuild following the Jim Rutherford and Patrik Allvin era, which included the J.T. Miller trade to the New York Rangers and Quinn Hughes’ move to Minnesota.

Vancouver received Zeev Buium, Marco Rossi, Liam Öhgren and a first-round pick in the Hughes trade. Buium has since signed an eight-year extension. The club also moved Nils Höglander, Marcus Pettersson and Conor Garland, while Manny Malhotra has taken over as head coach.

Key Facts

Miller had locker-room dysfunction during the 2024-25 period; both later received eight-year contract extensions.
Reportedly, J.T. Miller was traded to the New York Rangers.
Quinn Hughes told management he wanted to leave Vancouver and play with his brothers in New Jersey.
Zeev Buium is a 20-year-old defenceman who has signed an eight-year extension.
Patrik Allvin was relieved of his duties as general manager, while Jim Rutherford transitioned into a senior advisor role.
Daniel and Henrik Sedin were promoted to co-presidents of hockey operations, with Ryan Johnson named general manager.
Manny Malhotra was hired as the Canucks’ head coach.
Reportedly, Brock Boeser, Filip Hronek and Elias Pettersson are the current leadership group referenced by the club.

IHM Discussion

Vancouver’s changes amount to a clear organisational reset. The previous regime’s major roster decisions included the departures of J.T. Miller and Quinn Hughes; the latter trade brought Zeev Buium, Marco Rossi, Liam Öhgren and a first-round pick to the Canucks.

The Sedins now lead hockey operations as co-presidents, with Ryan Johnson as general manager and Manny Malhotra behind the bench. That structure gives Vancouver a defined group responsible for connecting roster decisions, player development and the club’s competitive timeline.

The essential test will be patience. Acquiring young talent is only the first step; the Canucks must provide those players with stable roles and allow the group time to develop.

Why It Matters

Vancouver’s rebuild will be judged by how effectively it turns its new core into a sustainable NHL group. Buium, Rossi, Öhgren and the first-round pick acquired for Hughes give the organisation meaningful building blocks, while the Sedins, Johnson and Malhotra now have responsibility for setting the club’s direction.

The immediate priority is to establish a stable identity rather than chase short-term fixes. That will shape future roster decisions and the opportunities available to younger players.

IHM Market Outlook

Vancouver has already moved Nils Höglander, Marcus Pettersson and Conor Garland as it reshapes the roster. Jake DeBrusk, Brock Boeser and Elias Pettersson remain names linked to trade speculation, but no further move is established here.

Buium’s eight-year extension signals that Vancouver views him as a central part of its young core rather than a short-term trade asset.

Mini Q&A

What are Daniel and Henrik Sedin’s roles with the Canucks?

Daniel and Henrik Sedin were promoted to co-presidents of hockey operations, while Ryan Johnson was named general manager.

Is Zeev Buium viewed as a long-term piece for Vancouver?

Yes. Zeev Buium signed an eight-year extension, underlining his place in Vancouver’s young core.

Does the article claim the Canucks will trade established players?

Vancouver has moved Nils Höglander, Marcus Pettersson and Conor Garland. Jake DeBrusk, Brock Boeser and Elias Pettersson have also been linked to trade speculation, though no further deal is established here.

Coach Mark Comment

The most important coaching task is consistency. A rebuilding club needs clear standards, defined roles and enough patience to let younger players work through mistakes. With Manny Malhotra now behind the bench, the Canucks’ daily habits and team structure will matter more than quick fixes.

IHM Final View

Vancouver has put a new leadership structure in place for its rebuild: Daniel and Henrik Sedin as co-presidents, Ryan Johnson as general manager and Manny Malhotra as head coach. The Hughes trade supplied key young assets, and Buium’s long-term extension underlines the intention to build around that emerging core. The next measure of progress is whether the club can turn that plan into a stable, competitive identity.

Canucks’ Trade Chips: Who’s Most Likely to Move?

By IceHockeyMan Editorial Team | Published: September 7, 2026, 09:43 CEST

Story Summary

After two disappointing seasons the Vancouver Canucks have moved into a full rebuild under new general manager Ryan Johnson. The club already traded Quinn Hughes to the Minnesota Wild and veteran Marcus Pettersson to the New York Rangers. Johnson appears prepared to move more established players for draft picks and prospects; the leading names linked to potential trades are Elias Pettersson, Thatcher Demko, Brock Boeser and Jake DeBrusk. Each player carries a different value and a different obstacle – long-term salary, contract clauses or health history – that will shape what Vancouver can expect in return.

Key Facts

The Canucks have begun a roster rebuild under new GM Ryan Johnson following two subpar seasons.
Quinn Hughes was traded to the Minnesota Wild earlier in the rebuild.
Marcus Pettersson was traded to the New York Rangers this summer.
Elias Pettersson has six years remaining on a contract that pays $11.6 million per season and is described as a 27-year-old; his offensive totals have declined over the past two seasons.
Ryan Johnson is reportedly hanging on to Elias Pettersson for now to see how potential suitors develop and to maximise a trade return, which might require moving the trade deeper into the regular season or accepting salary retention.
Thatcher Demko is in the first year of a three-year contract extension paying $8.5 million per season and has a no-trade clause; he has made only 43 appearances over the past two years and struggled with health and form recently, after a save percentage that was well above.900 until the past two seasons.
Brock Boeser is a 29-year-old right wing with at least 20 goals in seven of nine NHL seasons; he is on a contract paying $7.25 million per season for the next six seasons and currently holds a full no-move clause.
Jake DeBrusk is a 29-year-old left wing on a seven-year contract that began in 2024-25 paying $5.5 million per season; he has scored 23 goals or more in five of nine NHL seasons and has a full no-move clause.
The Canucks’ trade strategy, according to reporting, prioritises acquiring draft picks and prospects rather than salary-cap relief or short-term veteran stops.

IHM Discussion

Vancouver’s rebuild is now explicit. Trading Quinn Hughes and Marcus Pettersson shows the front office is willing to move established pieces to speed a teardown. The players most often named as likely trade chips represent three different trade archetypes. Elias Pettersson is the high-cost veteran with a lengthy, expensive contract whose market will be limited by term and salary; keeping him into the season is a deliberate choice by Johnson to extract maximum value and to wait for the right market signal. Thatcher Demko is the elite-role asset with a recent durability and performance question but with the kind of goaltending pedigree that clubs chase in-season; his no-trade clause means any deal requires his consent. Brock Boeser is a reliable scorer under a long, sizeable cap commitment and an active no-move clause, making him expensive to acquire but appealing to clubs needing a proven 20-goal scorer or the upside of an occasional 40-goal season. Jake DeBrusk offers a middle-ground: a steady secondary scorer on a long-term deal who has said he does not want to be on a rebuilding team, but also carries a full no-move clause. Across all cases, Ryan Johnson’s stated aim is to turn veterans into prospects and draft capital.

Why It Matters

How Johnson handles these players will shape the Canucks’ rebuild timeline. Moving veterans for picks and prospects accelerates the prospect pool refresh but risks a prolonged period of on-ice losing. Holding a player like Elias Pettersson into the season could produce a larger return if contenders with immediate needs emerge, but it also keeps a large salary committed while the team develops younger players. Trading Demko would simultaneously convert a high-profile asset into future assets and remove a costly piece whose recent health and form create uncertainty. For rival teams, Vancouver’s willingness to trade dependable scorers such as Boeser and DeBrusk presents clear opportunities to add experienced offence for playoff pushes.

IHM Market Outlook

The market for each player will differ markedly. For Pettersson, contract length and $11.6 million per season will limit suitors to clubs comfortable with a long-term commitment; a significant injury at a contender could create a bidding window, though a deal could involve salary retention. Demko could attract teams with immediate goaltending concerns despite his recent health and form problems, but his no-trade clause means Vancouver must secure his agreement on any destination. Boeser’s consistent goal scoring and $7.25 million per season make him appealing to teams seeking a scoring wing, although his full no-move clause gives him control over any move. DeBrusk’s $5.5 million per season and scoring record make him a potential secondary-scoring addition for contenders. Vancouver’s preferred return is prospects and draft picks rather than veteran-for-veteran swaps.

Fan Pulse

Fans are likely to respond in two predictable ways. Some will view the departures and potential future trades as necessary medicine: clear assets converted into future pieces and draft capital that could seed a sustainable next generation. Others will see the move away from star and veteran continuity as a painful reset, especially when figures such as Pettersson and Demko carry long-term contracts and emotional attachment. The phrase ‘yard sale’ used in reporting underlines the perception among parts of the fanbase that this is a decisive, even drastic, reset.

Mini Q&A

Has Vancouver already traded any major pieces this rebuild?

Yes. The Canucks traded Quinn Hughes to the Minnesota Wild and veteran Marcus Pettersson to the New York Rangers as part of the rebuild.

What is Elias Pettersson’s contract situation?

Elias Pettersson has six years remaining on a contract that pays $11.6 million per season. He is described as a 27-year-old whose offensive totals have declined over the past two seasons.

Is Thatcher Demko under contract and can the Canucks move him easily?

Demko is in the first year of a three-year extension paying $8.5 million per season and has a no-trade clause, which means he must agree to any trade. He has also made only 43 appearances in the past two years and has had recent struggles with health and form.

What kind of return is the Canucks’ front office seeking?

Ryan Johnson’s priority is to acquire prospects and draft picks in return for veterans as part of the rebuild.

Do Brock Boeser and Jake DeBrusk have contract protections?

Yes. Brock Boeser has a full no-move clause and is under contract for $7.25 million per season for the next six seasons. Jake DeBrusk also has a full no-move clause; he is on a seven-year contract that began in 2024-25 paying $5.5 million per season.

Which teams have been mentioned as potential fits for DeBrusk?

The Edmonton Oilers and Montreal Canadiens are identified as possible fits for DeBrusk, provided Vancouver receives the right return.

Coach Mark Comment

From a coaching standpoint, a rebuild with this profile requires absolute clarity about development pathways. Coaches need younger players given guaranteed minutes and simplified systems so their progress can be measured. If Vancouver trades a veteran goaltender like Demko, the coaching staff must have a clear plan to protect and accelerate the development of any incoming prospects and to stabilise a younger crease. If Boeser or DeBrusk are moved, the team should aim to replace their ice-time with prospects who can learn sheltered minutes rather than senior players expected to carry offensive loads immediately.

What Comes Next

Watch whether Ryan Johnson moves Elias Pettersson deeper into the regular season to chase a larger return, and whether teams with urgent goaltending needs present offers for Thatcher Demko that he would accept under his no-trade clause. The unfolding regular season is the likely window for any major trade activity involving these players.

IHM Final View

The Canucks’ roster teardown is underway. Expect patient, strategic trades rather than fire-sale desperation: Johnson appears prepared to hold high-cost veterans long enough to test the market and to prioritise prospects and picks. That approach may prolong the short-term pain for Vancouver fans, but it preserves the possibility of extracting the sort of draft capital and young talent that could define the next competitive iteration of the franchise.

Lekkerimäki back in Canucks training after surgery

By IceHockeyMan Editorial Team | Published: September 6, 2026, 17:06 CEST

Story Summary

Jonathan Lekkerimäki, the Swedish forward drafted by Vancouver in the first round of 2022, has returned to full training during the Canucks’ pre-season after a February shoulder operation that ended his 2025-26 season. Lekkerimäki said he rested for about a month after surgery, completed his summer training as planned and now hopes to earn a place with Vancouver while taking jersey number 23.

Key Facts

Jonathan Lekkerimäki played 13 games in the 2025-26 season and recorded 2+1.
He underwent a shoulder operation in February which ended his 2025-26 season early.
Lekkerimäki is back in full training during Vancouver’s pre-season.
Lekkerimäki said: ” It feels good to be back. It’s nice to be with the guys on the ice again.”
He also said: ” I’ve had a good summer. It took four weeks before the wound from the operation healed properly. Then it was back to the bike. So it didn’t take so long; I think it went well.”
He hopes to make the Canucks this coming season and will wear number 23, a number vacated after a recent acquisition.
He said: ” I think I have a good opportunity here. We’re a young team, but a young and hungry team. I’ve had Malhotra for two years now and it’s nice to have him here. He is a good coach.”
Lekkerimäki broke through at Djurgården in 2021/22 and played in three World Junior Championships for Sweden between 2022 and 2024.
In 2023/24 he recorded 32 points in 49 games for an unspecified club.
He was drafted by Vancouver in the first round in 2022.

IHM Discussion

Lekkerimäki’s return to full pre-season work is a straightforward and encouraging rehab milestone. The decision to operate in February – explicitly intended to give him the best chance of being ready for the next season – appears to have delivered the intended outcome: a roughly four-week immediate recovery followed by normal summer conditioning. That timeline leaves him physically available to argue for an NHL roster spot through training camp and pre-season opportunities. His own comments underline both confidence and realism: he acknowledges the healing period but describes the broader summer work as going ” well.” The reference to Malhotra and to a young, hungry roster also frames the Canucks as a setting where a young forward could reasonably expect to push for regular minutes if he shows the right form.

Why It Matters

For Vancouver, Lekkerimäki’s return adds another young forward option as pre-season progresses. For the player, full training gives him the opportunity to compete for an NHL spot after a season shortened by surgery. His previous production – including 32 points in 49 games in 2023/24 and three World Junior Championship appearances for Sweden – provides useful context for his development.

Mini Q&A

What happened to Jonathan Lekkerimäki last season?

He featured in 13 games in 2025-26 and recorded 2+1 before a shoulder operation in February ended his season early.

Is he fit now?

According to Lekkerimäki, the surgical wound healed after about four weeks and he completed summer training as planned; he is back in full training during Vancouver’s pre-season.

What does he hope to achieve this season?

He hopes to earn a spot with the Canucks in the coming season and will wear number 23.

What is his background?

He broke through at Djurgården in 2021/22, played three World Junior Championships for Sweden between 2022 and 2024, posted 32 points in 49 games in 2023/24 for an unspecified club, and was a first-round pick by Vancouver in 2022.

Coach Mark Comment

From a coaching standpoint, full pre-season training is an important step for a young forward returning from surgery. It allows the staff to assess how he handles the pace of camp and whether he can build enough momentum to challenge for a roster place. The next measure is his work on the ice as pre-season continues.

What Comes Next

Monitor Lekkerimäki’s usage and performance through Vancouver’s remaining pre-season activities and training camp to see whether he earns a spot on the opening-season roster.

IHM Final View

Lekkerimäki’s return to full pre-season training gives him a realistic opportunity to compete for NHL ice time. The operation was timed to give him the best chance of being ready for the new season; now he must turn a productive summer into effective on-ice work in camp and pre-season.

Canucks sign Zeev Buium to eight-year, $9.38m AAV

By IceHockeyMan Editorial Team | Published: September 5, 2026, 16:07 CEST

Story Summary

The Vancouver Canucks have signed 20-year-old American defenceman Zeev Buium to an eight-year contract with an average annual value of $9.38 million. Buium, described as an offensively minded defenceman, played 45 games for Vancouver last season after being acquired from the Minnesota Wild in December in a trade that involved captain Quinn Hughes.

Key Facts

Vancouver Canucks signed Zeev Buium to an eight-year contract.
The contract carries an average annual value (AAV) of $9.38 million.
Zeev Buium is 20 years old and is listed as an American defenceman.
Buium played 45 games for Vancouver last season, recording 3 goals and 9 assists.
The Canucks acquired Buium from the Minnesota Wild in December in a trade that included Vancouver captain Quinn Hughes.
Buium has 76 NHL appearances in his career, with a total of 6 goals and 20 assists.
He was drafted by the Minnesota Wild in 2024, selected 12th overall (per AP).

IHM Discussion

This is a substantial long-term commitment to a young, offensively minded defenceman. Buium played 45 games for Vancouver last season after arriving from Minnesota in December, recording three goals and nine assists.

The deal gives Vancouver a long-term agreement with a player who has 76 NHL appearances and a career line of six goals and 20 assists. For Buium, it provides clarity as he continues his development with the Canucks.

Why It Matters

An eight-year agreement gives Vancouver a long-term commitment to a 20-year-old defenceman with an attacking profile. The $9.38 million AAV makes the deal a significant part of the club’s future cap planning.

For Buium, the contract follows a 45-game spell with Vancouver after his December move from Minnesota and gives him a stable setting in which to continue developing.

Mini Q&A

What is the length and average annual value of Buium’s new deal?

Buium signed an eight-year contract with an average annual value of $9.38 million.

How did Buium perform for Vancouver last season?

He played 45 games for Vancouver last season, recording 3 goals and 9 assists.

Where did Vancouver acquire Buium from?

Vancouver acquired Buium from the Minnesota Wild in December in a trade that included Canucks captain Quinn Hughes.

What are Buium’s career NHL totals?

He has 76 NHL appearances with 6 goals and 20 assists.

When and by whom was Buium drafted?

Buium was selected 12th overall by the Minnesota Wild in the 2024 draft.

Coach Mark Comment

Buium’s offensive profile can give Vancouver another option in transition and from the blue line. The key for a young defenceman is to build consistent habits away from the puck while retaining the confidence to make plays when opportunities develop.

Canucks sign Zeev Buium to eight-year $9.38m AAV deal

By IceHockeyMan Editorial Team | Published: September 5, 2026, 11:34 CEST

Story Summary

Vancouver have signed 20-year-old defenceman Zeev Buium to an eight-year contract carrying an average annual value of $9.38 million. Buium joined the Canucks from Minnesota last season in the transaction involving Quinn Hughes and often played alongside Czech defenceman Filip Hronek. Eight-year contracts are set to become rarer under the new collective agreement, with such deals possible only until 15 September.

Key Facts

Vancouver signed 20-year-old defenceman Zeev Buium to an eight-year contract with an average annual value of $9.38 million.
Buium joined Vancouver from Minnesota last season in the transaction involving Quinn Hughes.
Buium frequently skated paired with Czech defenceman Filip Hronek last season.
Eight-year contracts are set to become rarer under the new collective agreement, and such deals are possible only until 15 September.
The $9.38 million AAV could prove to be strong value over time if Buium continues to develop.

IHM Discussion

Vancouver’s decision to sign Zeev Buium for eight years at a $9.38 million AAV is a substantial commitment to a 20-year-old defenceman. It gives the club long-term cost certainty while placing considerable faith in his continued development.

Buium is already familiar with Vancouver’s group after arriving from Minnesota last season in the transaction involving Quinn Hughes. His regular appearances alongside Filip Hronek offer a useful indication of how he has been integrated into the Canucks’ defence.

The timing is notable, too. Eight-year contracts are set to become rarer under the new collective agreement, and the option remains available only until 15 September. Vancouver have chosen to act within that window rather than wait for a larger body of evidence.

Why It Matters

An eight-year commitment to a 20-year-old defenceman gives Vancouver greater certainty in its longer-term roster planning. It also places $9.38 million of annual cap commitment on the books for a lengthy period, making Buium’s development central to the value of the deal. With the window for eight-year contracts closing on 15 September, the Canucks have acted before that option changes.

Mini Q&A

Who did Vancouver sign and what are the contract terms?

Vancouver signed 20-year-old defenceman Zeev Buium to an eight-year contract with an average annual value of $9.38 million.

Why is an eight-year deal notable now?

Eight-year contracts are set to become rarer under the new collective agreement, and such deals are possible only until 15 September.

Does the report suggest the deal is good value?

The $9.38 million AAV could prove to be strong value over time if Buium continues to develop.

What is the next date to watch?

The key date is 15 September, when the option to sign eight-year contracts closes.

Coach Mark Comment

The value here is continuity. Buium has already spent time alongside Filip Hronek, and keeping that familiarity in place gives Vancouver a platform to develop his game within an established defensive environment. The contract itself will not determine his usage; his performance will.

What Comes Next

The immediate date to watch is 15 September, when the option to sign eight-year contracts closes.

IHM Final View

Vancouver have made a decisive long-term bet on Zeev Buium. The eight-year deal secures a promising young defenceman at a substantial $9.38 million AAV, and its value will ultimately rest on how his game develops over the life of the contract.

Canucks hold top waiver priority heading into season

By IceHockeyMan Editorial Team | Published: September 4, 2026, 11:15 CEST

Story Summary

The Vancouver Canucks will hold the top waiver priority heading into the 2026-27 NHL season. A list of 10 potential targets includes defencemen, forwards and goaltenders from across the league, giving Vancouver several positions to monitor as clubs finalise their rosters.

Key Facts

The Vancouver Canucks will hold the top waiver priority heading into the 2026-27 season.
Potential waiver targets to monitor include William Villeneuve (RHD, Toronto Maple Leafs); Arttu Hyry (C, Dallas Stars); Ivan Miroshnichenko (RW, Washington Capitals); Dylan Garand (G, New York Rangers); Vincent Iorio (RHD, New York Rangers); Maxwell Crozier (RHD, Tampa Bay Lightning); Amadeus Lombardi (C, New Jersey Devils); David Špaček (RHD, Minnesota Wild); Leevi Meriläinen (G, Ottawa Senators); and Reid Schaefer (LW, Nashville Predators).
Eric Engels reports Montreal Canadiens restricted free agent forward Zachary Bolduc remains unsigned but his agent is engaged, and Engels suggests it would not be a surprise if Bolduc signed before Sept. 16, when the team reports for physicals.

IHM Discussion

Vancouver’s waiver priority gives the club an early opportunity to assess players made available as teams trim their rosters. The list spans defensive prospects, young forwards and goaltenders, suggesting the Canucks can monitor depth across several positions rather than targeting one immediate need.

Waiver decisions are often shaped by roster space and organisational depth. A claim would be a low-cost way to add a player, but Vancouver will still need to judge whether any available option fits its short-term plans.

Why It Matters

Waiver activity can reshape roster depth quickly before the season. Vancouver’s priority gives it a useful option if a player who fits an organisational need becomes available.

IHM Market Outlook

The immediate signal is Vancouver’s position at the top of the waiver order. The potential targets cover several clubs and positions, while any decision to claim will depend on roster space and organisational need.

Mini Q&A

Who holds the top waiver priority?

The Vancouver Canucks will hold the top waiver priority heading into the season.

Which players are potential waiver targets for Vancouver?

The list includes William Villeneuve (RHD, Toronto Maple Leafs), Arttu Hyry (C, Dallas Stars), Ivan Miroshnichenko (RW, Washington Capitals), Dylan Garand (G, New York Rangers), Vincent Iorio (RHD, New York Rangers), Maxwell Crozier (RHD, Tampa Bay Lightning), Amadeus Lombardi (C, New Jersey Devils), David Špaček (RHD, Minnesota Wild), Leevi Meriläinen (G, Ottawa Senators) and Reid Schaefer (LW, Nashville Predators).

What Comes Next

Sept. 19: pre-season games begin.

Sept. 29: Regular-season opening night (Florida at Carolina).

IHM Final View

Vancouver’s top waiver priority is a useful early-season asset. The 10-player watchlist offers the Canucks options across the ice as roster decisions approach.

Canucks fantasy preview: Pettersson, DeBrusk lead 2026-27

By IceHockeyMan Editorial Team | Published: August 29, 2026, 08:43 CEST

Story Summary

Vancouver’s five leading fantasy options for standard leagues in 2026-27 are Elias Pettersson, Jake DeBrusk, Brock Boeser, Filip Hronek and Marco Rossi. Pettersson tops the list with a 59-point projection after leading the Canucks with 51 points (15 goals, 36 assists) in 74 games last season. DeBrusk is projected for 50 points after leading Vancouver in goals and power-play production, while Boeser and Rossi are each projected for 54 points. Hronek, projected for 50 points, is highlighted by his heavy ice time and power-play production. Thatcher Demko is identified as a bounce-back candidate with a 14-win projection, while Linus Karlsson and Zeev Buium are breakout candidates.

Key Facts

pre-season fantasy projections for the 2026-27 season place five Canucks among Vancouver’s leading standard-league options.
Elias Pettersson led the Vancouver Canucks last season with 51 points (15 goals, 36 assists) in 74 games and is projected for 59 points in 2026-27.
Pettersson had three consecutive 30-goal seasons from 2021-24 and a career-high 39 goals and 102 points in 2022-23; last season his shooting percentage was a career-low 11.4 percent.
Pettersson recorded a team-high 18 power-play assists last season and has had at least 20 power-play points in four of his past five seasons.
Reportedly, Pettersson was the only NHL player last season with at least 15 goals, 50 points, 100 blocked shots (108) and 60 hits (67).
Jake DeBrusk led the Canucks in goals (23), power-play goals (19; tied for third in the NHL), power-play points (24) and shots on goal (219) last season; he is projected for 50 points.
Since the start of the 2024-25 season, DeBrusk is tied for second in the NHL in power-play goals (33).
Brock Boeser ranked third on Vancouver in points (48) and shots on goal (166), and was second in goals (22), in 75 games last season; he is projected for 54 points.
Boeser registered 25 points in his first 50 games last season and led the Canucks with 23 points in the final 25 games after the Olympic break.
Filip Hronek set NHL career highs last season with 49 points (second on the team), 21 power-play points, 100 blocked shots and a 25:00 average ice time; he is projected for 50 points.
Hronek led Vancouver in assists (41) and led Canucks defensemen in goals (8) last season and finished the post-Olympic stretch with high rankings in ice time and power-play production.
Marco Rossi had 35 points (12 goals, 23 assists) in 50 games last season, including 22 points in 33 games with Vancouver after his Dec. 12 acquisition; he is projected for 54 points and is among the top 100 keeper and dynasty options aged 25 or younger.

IHM Discussion

The projections offer a useful fantasy picture for Vancouver. Pettersson is the leading option in formats that reward peripherals alongside scoring: last season he combined 15 goals and 51 points with 108 blocked shots and 67 hits. His projected rise to 59 points gives him appeal in category leagues that count hits, blocks and face-off wins.

DeBrusk brings a goal-scoring and power-play profile. He led the Canucks in goals and power-play production last season, and his 33 power-play goals since the start of 2024-25 are tied for second in the NHL.

Boeser finished strongly after the Olympic break, leading Vancouver with 23 points in the final 25 games. His 54-point projection reflects a player who has scored at least 20 goals in each of the past three seasons.

Hronek carries particular value from the blue line in formats that reward power-play production, hits, blocks and shots. He posted career highs in points, power-play points, blocked shots and average ice time last season.

Rossi produced 22 points in 33 games after arriving in Vancouver and spent most of that spell alongside Boeser and on the first power-play unit. That combination makes him relevant in both redraft and long-term formats.

Why It Matters

For fantasy managers, Vancouver offers distinct category profiles. Pettersson’s scoring and peripheral production make him particularly useful in leagues that count hits, blocked shots and face-off wins. DeBrusk merits attention in formats that reward goals and power-play production, while Boeser provides established goal-scoring depth. Hronek is a valuable defensive option in leagues that reward power-play production, shots, hits and blocks. Rossi’s age, production after joining Vancouver and first-unit power-play usage make him a notable keeper or dynasty consideration.

Mini Q&A

Who is the top Vancouver Canucks fantasy option for 2026-27?

Elias Pettersson is Vancouver’s leading fantasy option, with a 59-point projection and strong peripheral totals in hits and blocked shots.

Is Jake DeBrusk worth drafting for goal production?

Yes. DeBrusk led Vancouver in goals (23) and power-play goals (19) last season and is projected for 50 points; he is especially valuable in formats that reward goals and power-play scoring.

Which Canucks should fantasy managers consider in keeper or dynasty formats?

Marco Rossi is among the top 100 keeper and dynasty options aged 25 or younger after his production following the move to Vancouver. Zeev Buium is also identified as a younger breakout candidate.

What about the Canucks’ goalie projections?

Thatcher Demko is identified as a bounce-back candidate with a 14-win projection.

Which defenseman offers the best fantasy returns?

Filip Hronek is Vancouver’s leading fantasy option on defence after career highs in points, power-play production and blocked shots, alongside heavy ice time. He is projected for 50 points.

Coach Mark Comment

Pettersson and Hronek stand out because their production is not limited to points. Pettersson’s hits and blocked shots broaden his category value, while Hronek’s heavy workload and power-play output give him a strong foundation among fantasy defencemen.

What Comes Next

Owners should watch early-season power-play deployment and usage patterns – particularly Pettersson’s role, DeBrusk’s placement on the man advantage, and Rossi’s spot on Vancouver’s first power-play unit – to judge how closely playing time and special-teams duty align with these pre-season projections.

IHM Final View

Vancouver’s fantasy outlook is driven by category fit. Pettersson is the leading multi-category option, DeBrusk offers goals and power-play production, Boeser brings established scoring, Hronek supplies valuable production from defence, and Rossi has keeper and dynasty appeal. Managers should weigh those profiles against their league’s scoring settings.