Canucks Have a Potential Star in Liam Ohgren

Liam Ohgren, Vancouver Canucks (Amy Irvin / The Hockey Writers)

Canucks Have a Potential Star in Liam Ohgren

Originally posted on The Hockey Writers | By Ryan Clark | Last updated Sep 28, 2026 1:40 PM ET

After the shock and betrayal, we can acknowledge that the Vancouver Canucks got a good package for Quinn Hughes. Zeev Buium is arguably the franchise’s most valuable piece moving forward, and he landed an eight-year mega deal this month. Marco Rossi has the potential to be a productive second-line pivot, maybe even a top-line fixture before reinforcements arrive. The first-round pick became Adam Novotny, an electric scoring winger with the potential to be similar to Adrian Kempe or Mason McTavish.

However, Liam Öhgren also has the potential to become a difference-maker. He’s shown plenty of promise in training camp and the pre-season, where many have lauded his relentlessness and motor. He could be the Canucks’ major breakout player this season, and the tools are there for him to be a star.

Prospect Pedigree

Öhgren was selected by the Minnesota Wild with the 19th overall pick in the 2022 NHL Draft. In his draft year, Öhgren showed just how valuable he could be. He scored at over a goal-per-game rate and averaged nearly two points per game in the Djurgårdens J20. He was dynamic and earned some time in the SHL, though he had little impact.

In 2022, Öhgren performed well at the U18 World Championships, where he served as Sweden’s captain and scored above a point-per-game pace en route to a gold medal. He also captained the 2024 World Juniors Swedish squad, leading them to a silver medal.

Standout Traits

Öhgren was known for having one of the highest floors in the draft, largely because of the skill set that made him so productive. He has plenty of tools that make him stand out to talent evaluators, and he has shown them with the Canucks.

Last season, he tallied zero points in 18 games with the Wild before he arrived in Vancouver. He broke that drought in his first game with the Canucks, scoring a goal on a wicked wrister against the New York Rangers.

Öhgren has a lot of scoring potential. His hardest shot of the season came in at 91.9 mph, which, according to NHL EDGE Stats, is in the 90th percentile among forwards. He also has speed, grading out in the 70th percentile in max speed and the 80th in total 20-22 mph bursts. His skating hasn’t always been fluid, but he has the raw ability to be a burner.

He is also known for his work ethic, which Dayton Reimer mentioned in Öhgren’s draft profile. His hockey IQ is high and he reads the play well. He has the potential to be an incredibly versatile player, which is likely a big reason why the Canucks felt it necessary to get in the return for Hughes.

Öhgren’s Role in 2026-27

While new head coach Manny Malhotra has done his due diligence and experimented with moving Öhgren around the lineup, he’ll likely play on a line with Brock Boeser and Marco Rossi, the “BRÖ” line. This combination makes sense, with Rossi as the main play-driver and Boeser as the team’s primary goal-scoring option, while Öhgren’s versatility and strength round out the trio.

Maybe Öhgren could be moved up to the first line with Elias Pettersson at some point? If Pettersson continues to struggle, a partnership with his fellow countryman could help unlock both of their games. This is something to look out for as the season goes along.

An Exciting Future in Vancouver

Öhgren has plenty of traits that could make him a star. He will have an increased role on the Canucks this season, and it will be worth keeping an eye on him to see how he improves his production and becomes more impactful with more experience and under Malhotra’s tutelage.

This article first appeared on The Hockey Writers and was syndicated with permission.

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