The Vancouver Canucks are making decisive moves as they approach the final roster decisions and potential trades ahead of the 2025-26 NHL season. As preseason games wrap up, key players and management are engaged in discussions that will shape the team’s future.
Roster Updates: The Rise of Braeden Cootes
Braeden Cootes, an 18-year-old center, has captured attention during training camp and the preseason. His performance has elevated him into consideration for a spot on the Canucks’ roster. Cootes, a right-handed center, fills a critical gap for Vancouver, which lacks depth at that position.
Canucks management initially entered camp with hesitation regarding Cootes’ readiness. However, his consistency, maturity, and strong faceoff results have shifted internal discussions toward his likelihood of joining the NHL squad this season. With one week remaining in preseason, Cootes has positioned himself as a frontrunner for a roster spot.
Management Discussions and Trade Plans
This weekend marks a pivotal time for team executives as they finalize preparations for roster cuts. The Canucks’ president, Jim Rutherford, and general manager, Patrik Allvin, have a history of active trade negotiations leading up to the opening-day roster deadline.
- In 2022, Vancouver traded Jason Dickinson’s contract to the Chicago Blackhawks.
- In 2023, they acquired Sam Lafferty from Toronto.
- Last year, the team traded Tucker Poolman’s contract in a cap management move with the Colorado Avalanche.
Current trade discussions aim to secure an impactful center, ideally of second-line caliber, to enhance the lineup. This year’s trade market is less pressured than previous seasons due to a growing salary cap, presenting both challenges and opportunities for Vancouver.
The Impact of Nils Höglander’s Injury
Adding complexity to roster decisions, forward Nils Höglander is sidelined for eight to ten weeks following ankle surgery after sustaining an injury in a recent preseason game. Höglander had shown promise during camp, making his absence a significant loss for the team.
Vancouver’s management now has increased flexibility in its lineup, potentially allowing younger players like Cootes and Jonathan Lekkerimäki to earn roster spots. While Höglander’s injury opens doors for others, it also highlights the importance of depth as the team prepares for the season.
Defensive Competition Heating Up
As the preseason draws to a close, competition is intense among young defenders, including Elias Pettersson, Tom Willander, and Victor Mancini. All three have performed well, with coach Adam Foote tasked with making difficult roster decisions about their sites in the season opener.
| Defender | Performance Notes |
|---|---|
| Elias Pettersson | Impressive preseason showing, vying for a roster spot. |
| Tom Willander | Strong performances; potential third-pair defender. |
| Victor Mancini | Competitive play, also in the running for a roster spot. |
Ultimately, the Canucks are determined to balance immediate performance needs with future development. As management weighs their options in trades while evaluating young talent, the decisions made in the coming week will be crucial for the team’s trajectory this season and beyond.
