A New Era in Vancouver
The Vancouver Canucks are scheduled to open training camp in just over three weeks, but the roster still carries several question marks. This summer has been marked by change both in the front office and behind the bench, as Ryan Johnson replaced Patrik Allvin as general manager and Manny Malhotra replaced Adam Foote as head coach. The moves signal a deliberate shift in philosophy, with the organization appearing to prioritize long-term sustainability over short-term competitiveness.
After two disappointing seasons, the Canucks finished as the worst team in the NHL a year ago, according to multiple reports. While the current roster still includes established veterans like Elias Pettersson, Jake DeBrusk, Brock Boeser, and Thatcher Demko, the team has begun reshaping its core.
Offseason Moves: Additions and Subtractions
New general manager Ryan Johnson has mostly made minor moves so far. Veterans Brendan Gallagher, Paul Cotter, and Luke Schenn were added during the offseason, along with free-agent defenseman Jamie Oleksiak. However, these signings are not expected to turn the Canucks into a playoff team, as the organization appears focused on developing younger talent.
The team also lost several key players from last season. Marcus Pettersson and Nils Hoglander were traded away, with Pettersson dealt for a protected first-round pick in 2030. Teddy Blueger and Evander Kane departed as free agents.
Meanwhile, the Canucks selected Caleb Malhotra third overall in the 2026 NHL Draft, a move that underscores the franchise's commitment to building through the draft.
DeBrusk's Status: 'Probable' for Opening Night
The Athletic's Thomas Drance recently published his roster projections for opening night, placing all of Vancouver's top players in a "locks" category except one: Jake DeBrusk. The 29-year-old forward was instead listed as "probable." Drance explained, "DeBrusk isn't at risk of not making this team, but we'll list him as a probable for now. At this juncture of the offseason, among veteran Vancouver players who could conceivably be moveable and open to moving, DeBrusk stands alone as a somewhat realistic consideration."
DeBrusk joined the Canucks in 2024 and signed a seven-year, $38.5 million contract that runs through the summer of 2031. His $5.5 million average annual value is the sixth-highest on the roster. Last season, he recorded 23 goals and 19 assists for 42 total points.
The possibility of a trade stems in part from DeBrusk's own stance on the team's direction. In March, he stated, "Obviously, that [rebuild] is not something I would be okay with or accepting. My game doesn't fit that."
Potential Further Moves
The Canucks could still look to offload another significant player before the 2026-27 season begins. Reports suggest the team might look to shed Elias Pettersson's $11.6 million AAV contract, but teams around the NHL are hesitant to take on that salary. Additionally, Vancouver must set aside money to give pending restricted free agents Zeev Buium and Liam Ohgren extensions next summer.
Several teams are reportedly in the market for a top-six forward, including the New York Rangers, Edmonton Oilers, and Montreal Canadiens, which could make DeBrusk an attractive trade asset if the Canucks decide to move him.
A Clearer Path Forward
The Canucks appear to have learned from past mistakes. The organization previously tried to find shortcuts to stay competitive, but that approach left the team stuck in the mushy middle. Now, with Johnson and Malhotra at the helm, there is a clearer understanding of what they are trying to accomplish—even if it means more losing before there is winning.
As training camp approaches, the uncertainty surrounding DeBrusk and other veterans will remain a storyline to watch. But for the first time in a while, Vancouver seems to have a plan that could actually last.