The Vancouver Canucks are gearing up for the 2025-26 season with several key storylines emerging. From the inaugural Prospects Showcase to Elias Pettersson's offseason training and Quinn Hughes addressing his brother's comments about their future, here's a look at the latest news and rumors surrounding the team.
Prospects Showcase Kicks Off
The Canucks' 2025-26 season is unofficially starting in Everett and Seattle, WA, with the inaugural Prospects Showcase on September 13 and 14. The Canucks have announced their 23-man roster, featuring first-round picks from the 2022, 2023, and 2025 drafts, as well as prospects who have recently turned pro or even debuted in the NHL.
The roster includes forwards Vilmer Alriksson, Ben Berard, Josh Bloom, Braeden Cootes, and Jonathan Lekkerimaki. Defensemen include Tom Willander and Elias Pettersson. Goalies Aku Koskenvuo and Aleksei Medvedev will also be participating.
Fans will be keeping a close eye on Lekkerimaki, Willander, and Cootes, as well as Elias Pettersson. Other names to watch include Sawyer Mynio and Riley Patterson. Mynio is expected to join the American Hockey League (AHL) this season, while Patterson will be looking to improve his game with the Niagara IceDogs. Several intriguing players have been invited to the Prospect Showcase. The group will practice in Abbotsford on September 11 and 12, before heading to Everett and Seattle for games against the Kraken's prospects.
Elias Pettersson's Offseason Training
Elias Pettersson spoke with the media at the annual Jake Milford Charity Golf Tournament, discussing his offseason training. Pettersson has been working hard to prepare for the upcoming season, adding 13 pounds of muscle. As the team's most talented forward, Pettersson is considered the emotional core of the Canucks, and when he's performing well, the team looks like a legitimate contender. There are high expectations for Pettersson's production, and fans will notice even slight dips in his performance.
Pettersson signed an eight-year, $92.8 million contract extension in March 2024, with an average annual value of $11.6 million. This contract makes him the fifth-highest-paid player in the NHL. Since his debut in 2018-19, Pettersson has been a key player for the Canucks, leading the team in goals (165) and points (398).
Quinn Hughes Addresses Brother's Comments
Quinn Hughes responded to his brother Jack's recent comments about potentially playing together in Vancouver. Jack Hughes had said he would "love" for Quinn to eventually play with him in New Jersey. Quinn acknowledged the desire to play with his brothers but reaffirmed his commitment to Vancouver. "I'm excited to be in Vancouver, and I feel like last year was a little bit of a failure. So, I feel like I've got things to do there," Hughes said.
As captain, Hughes had to navigate a challenging 2024-25 season, marked by teammate feuds, injuries, and disappointing performances. Despite the difficulties, Hughes posted 60 assists and 76 points in 68 games. He is determined to lead the team and focus on helping them win. Hughes is eligible for a contract extension next summer, and his decision may depend on the Canucks' performance in the next two seasons.
Canucks Aim for Improvement on Home Ice
The Canucks are looking to improve their performance at Rogers Arena this season. Last season, they had a disappointing 17-16-8 record at home, with only the Chicago Blackhawks and San Jose Sharks having fewer home ice victories. The team was outscored 127-112 at home and struggled in overtime games. A home record of at least 23-15-3 this season would be a positive step forward for the team.
