The Vancouver Canucks are heading into the 2025-26 NHL season with a blend of established veterans and promising young talent, with the updated roster projection suggesting that Jonathan Lekkerimaki, Braeden Cootes, and Victor Mancini have all made the team.
Forwards
The forward lines are expected to showcase a mix of scoring ability, grit, and playmaking. The projected forward lines are:
- 1st Line: Jake DeBrusk - Elias Pettersson - Brock Boeser
- 2nd Line: Drew O'Connor - Filip Chytil - Conor Garland
- 3rd Line: Evander Kane - Braeden Cootes - Jonathan Lekkerimaki
- 4th Line: Aatu Raty - Teddy Blueger - Kiefer Sherwood
- Extra: Linus Karlsson
Jonathan Lekkerimaki and Braeden Cootes have impressed during the pre-season. Cootes is tied for the team lead in points with three, while Lekkerimaki is just behind with two. Management has been keen to see Lekkerimaki perform well. Cootes, drafted 15th overall in 2025, is known for his puck desire and playmaking abilities. At 6'0" and 183 lbs, Cootes isn't the biggest player, but he plays with an edge.
Defense
The defensive pairings aim to provide a balance of skill and physicality. Victor Mancini, acquired in a trade with the New York Rangers in 2025, is a 6-foot-3 defender with decent speed. He could start the season as a No. 6 or 7 defenseman.
Goaltending
The goaltending tandem is expected to be composed of Thatcher Demko, Kevin Lankinen, and Nikita Tolopilo.
The Canucks have made several cuts to their pre-season roster, assigning players to AHL Abbotsford and their respective junior teams. 17 players were cut from the preseason roster.
With the pre-season coming to a close, key questions remain about the final roster composition. The inclusion of Cootes and Lekkerimaki would add youth and skill to the forward group, while Mancini's size and defensive capabilities could bolster the blueline.
