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Vancouver Canucks Unexpectedly Cut Ties With 21-Year-Old Forward

Originally posted on House of Hockey | By Jack Sutherland | Last updated May 23, 2025 12:47 AM ET

The Vancouver Canucks are set to cut ties with 21-year-old forward Lucas Forsell, whom they made their 7th round pick in the 2021 NHL Entry Draft.

Hoping to build off of their successful season in 2023-24 that saw them win the Pacific Division and advance to Game 7 of the Western Conference Semi Finals, the Vancouver Canucks instead came nowhere near close to expectations this year and missed the playoffs.

There have already been major changes to the organization in the last calendar year, which included the trade of J.T. Miller to the New York Rangers and the departure of head coach Rick Tocchet , who has since taken over as the bench boss for the Philadelphia Flyers, his former team from his playing days.

There is now another departure from the Canucks organization to report, as 21 year-old prospect forward Lucas Forsell will not be offered a contract per a report from Rick Dhalwial.

Forsell, who was taken by the Canucks with the 201st overall pick in the 2021 NHL Entry Draft, has been playing for Färjestad BK in the Swedish Hockey League and has yet to suit up in North America.

His scouting report via Canucks Army reads as follows:

Ceiling: If we're being extremely optimistic, his ceiling could be as a middle-six forward with evident potential for net-front contributions to special teams. However, a more realistic scenario sees him as a bottom-half energy player who can contribute to the scoresheet while excelling in a net-front role in power play.

Floor: Standard SHL mainstay. At this point, the reality that he stays abroad is very real. Lack of further opportunity or not, the simple fact that he has yet to take his production to new heights does not bode well for the Canucks to give up a coveted contract on another potential energy player.

This article first appeared on House of Hockey and was syndicated with permission.

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