Canucks relinquish NHL rights to a pair of prospects from 2021 draft

The Vancouver Canucks have relinquished the signing rights to two prospects from their 2021 NHL Entry Draft, as the June 1st, 2:00 pm (PT) deadline for qualifying offers passed without contracts for either player.

Hugo Gabrielson (sixth round, 169th overall) and Lucas Forsell (seventh round, 201st overall) will now become unrestricted free agents, free to sign with any NHL team.

Garbielson has spent his entire post-draft career playing within the HockeyAllsvenskan system, splitting his tenure with Västerviks and, most recently, the Nybro Vikings.

During a four-year career, he’s posted 50 points (10 goals, 40 assists) and 62 penalty minutes across 166 games.

Half of those totals came in 2024-25, where he contributed five goals and 26 points with the Nybro Vikings, whom he had signed with during the 2024 offseason. Just 22 years old, those 26 points ranked tops among all U25 defenders within the Allsvenskan.

He signed a two-year extension with the Swedish club in November 2024.

As for Forsell, the final pick of former GM Jim Benning’s tenure and the youngest player in the 2021 draft, he actually showed some early promise.

In 2022-23, he led all SHL rookie skaters with 11 goals in 35 games for Färjestad BK. Unfortunately, his production waned over the next two seasons, managing just eight goals and 16 points in 92 games while struggling for consistent ice time on a stacked Färjestad roster.

When given opportunities, Forsell showcased a high motor and flashy hands, often excelling in Champions League matches and when elevated in the lineup.