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Evander Kane, Edmonton Oilers (Walter Tychnowicz-Imagn Images)

Canucks’ 2025–26 Roster Is Built for Staying Power

Originally posted on The Hockey Writers | By The Old Prof | Last updated Sep 14, 2025 3:45 PM ET

If you’re a Vancouver Canucks fan, you know the story all too well—decades of highs and lows, moments that nearly brought the Stanley Cup home, and long stretches of rebuilding. But here’s the thing: the 2025-26 Canucks aren’t trying to relive the past. They’re not aiming to recreate the teams of ’94 or the Sedin-led squads from a decade ago.

Instead, this team is doing something different. They’re carving out their own identity—focused on steady growth, trusting the players they’ve got, and building for the long haul. And honestly? That might be exactly what this franchise needs right now.

Canucks Didn’t Make Big Trades, but Moves That Mattered

The offseason didn’t see any blockbuster trades that grabbed headlines, and that’s no accident. General manager (GM) Patrik Allvin wasn’t chasing flashy deals just for the sake of it. Instead, he’s been working quietly, making moves that make sense—shoring up depth, adding toughness, and locking in key pieces.

Take Evander Kane. Yes, he’s 34, but he’s precisely the kind of gritty vet Vancouver needed—someone who brings size and experience, especially when the game gets rough around the net. He’s not flashy, but he gets the job done. Grit.

Then there’s Kevin Lankinen. When Thatcher Demko got hurt, Lankinen stepped up and showed he could handle the pressure. A 2.62 goals-against average with four shutouts in 51 games isn’t just solid—it’s the kind of reliability you want from an NHL backup. Locking him down for five more years was a smart call. None of these moves screamed “big splash,” but they quietly add up.

Keeping Core Players Like Brock Boeser Shows Players Want to Stay

Remember all the trade rumours about Brock Boeser? That noise has mostly faded because the Canucks committed to him long-term—a seven-year deal worth over $50 million. Boeser’s not just a scorer; he’s been a steady presence since Vancouver drafted him in 2015.

Keeping him sends a clear message: the team wants continuity. They’re not breaking up their core to shake things up. Boeser’s the kind of player you build your top-six around, not shop around.

Brock Boeser and Quinn Hughes celebrate a goal for the Vancouver Canucks (Bob Frid-Imagn Images)

If there’s one thing Vancouver’s been good at lately, it’s developing young players—and they’re doubling down on that. Elias Pettersson is set for a big, career-shaping season. Quinn Hughes is still the backbone on defence, growing into a more complete player every year. And behind them, the supporting cast is pushing hard to make their mark.

Then there’s Demko—when healthy, he’s one of the best goalies in the league. But the team isn’t just relying on him. Lankinen and others give the Canucks solid depth, so they aren’t scrambling when injuries hit. The point? Vancouver is betting on growth from within, not chasing quick fixes on the free-agent market.

The Canucks Seem to Have a Clear Long-Term Vision

Last season didn’t end the way anyone wanted—the Canucks missed the playoffs with a 38-30-14 record. But instead of panicking or gutting the roster, the team made smart, targeted moves. They added Filip Chytil to shore up the centre position, brought in Marcus Pettersson and Drew O’Connor to fill roles, and continued to build a team that fits the system they want to play.

Filip Chytil, Vancouver Canucks (Bob Frid-Imagn Images)

Adam Foote stepping in as head coach is part of that plan, too. He’s a familiar face who knows the players and emphasizes defence and structure—something the Canucks have needed more consistently. It might not be flashy, but sometimes steady wins the race.

The Canucks Are Moving Forward, Not Backward

For the Canucks, this season isn’t about rewriting history or chasing after past glories. It’s about moving forward in a way that actually works. Vancouver’s history is full of close calls and heartbreaks—and that shapes every fan’s expectations. But this team isn’t built for just one shot. They’re built for more than that.

By holding onto their core players, developing young talent, drafting true NHL potential, and making thoughtful moves, the Canucks are setting themselves up to compete year after year. It might take patience. It might take some bumps along the way. But this isn’t a rebuild in the old sense—it’s a fresh start that’s grounded in reality and hope.

And if you ask me, that’s a pretty good place to be.