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3 Canucks Stars of the Week: Jonathan Lekkerimäki a bright spot amid losing streak
Amid a 10‑game losing streak, the Canucks spotlight three bright spots. Rookie winger Jonathan Lekkerimäki posts two goals and an assist, including a power‑play tally against Carolina on Oct. 21, and shows growing comfort on the third line. Veteran Elias Pettersson maintains a point‑per‑game pace (13 points in 13 games) while upping his physical play, highlighted by a power‑play goal versus Detroit on Oct. 23. Bottom‑six center Max Sasson earns praise for speed and reliable two‑way play, suggesting he could see more ice time. The week also honors the late John Garrett, underscoring the team’s resilience despite recent lopsided defeats.
Abbotsford Weekly: Hats fly for newcomer Jacob Quillan as Canucks sweep Wranglers
The Abbotsford Canucks extend their Pacific Division lead with a 3-1, 3-1 sweep of the Calgary Wranglers, marking their fifth straight win after a 0‑2‑1 start. Newcomer Jacob Quillan shines, tallying six points in four games and delivering a hat trick in the second matchup. Nikita Tolopilo backs the effort with a 21‑save performance for his fourth win. Meanwhile, Kirill Kudryavtsev remains sidelined (five games), and Jack Thompson clears waivers but is still out. Trey Fix‑Wolansky jumps to the team lead with nine points, while Ty Mueller sits second with eight.
Scenes from practice: Malhotra hauls out line blender in attempt to help Canucks snap 10-game losing skid
After a 10‑game losing streak, the Vancouver Canucks held a brisk practice at Rogers Arena on Oct. 26, 2026, with head coach Manny Malhotra unveiling new line combinations ahead of a two‑game road trip to Anaheim and San Jose. Veterans Jake DeBrusk, Elias Pettersson and Brock Boeser anchor the top line, while Filip Chytil, Drew O’Connor and Jonathan Lekkerimäki form the second. Defense sees Luke Schenn paired with Zeev Buium and Oleksiak with Victor Mancini, as injuries keep Filip Hronek and Linus Karlsson out of the session. Malhotra stresses the need for chemistry and consistency, hoping the tweaks spark the first win since Oct. 3.
Canucks’ Jack Thompson clears NHL waivers, will report to AHL Abbotsford
Defenceman Jack Thompson clears NHL waivers and is set to join the AHL Abbotsford Canucks. The 24‑year‑old, who missed Vancouver’s training camp due to injury, now adds depth to a blueline that’s thriving under new coach Ryan Papaioannou. Thompson, an offensive‑minded defender with 104 points in 217 AHL games, returns to face his former squad, the San Jose Barracuda, on Oct. 28 after Abbotsford snapped a three‑game skid with a five‑game winning streak. His experience could boost a team that captured the Calder Cup in 2025.
JPat’s Monday Mailbag: Canucks chemistry lessons, a hot dog feast and press box bingo
The Canucks’ rebuild stalls at 2‑wins‑in‑13, leaving fans desperate for answers. In this Monday Mailbag, JPat fields questions about veteran trade rumors (Hronek, Boeser, DeBrusk), the lack of chemistry on lines like Bains‑Sasson‑Karlsson, and whether the team should focus on one game at a time versus the long‑term outlook. He notes no player has publicly asked to be moved, urges under‑performers to boost their play for trade interest, and suggests reshuffling lines to aid Manny Malhotra’s search for cohesion. The piece also urges fans to look beyond the NHL, tracking prospects in Abbotsford, the NCAA, and the OHL while stocking up on draft previews.
The Statsies: Canucks overwhelmed at 5v5 in Hughes’ return after a strong first period
In a 5‑v‑5 showdown on Oct. 26, 2026, the Vancouver Canucks roared out of the gate with a 66.67% Corsi share and an 18‑9 shot advantage in the first period, but the momentum vanished as Minnesota Wild seized control. The Wild posted a 65.71% Corsi in the second and a staggering 76.19% in the third, generating 17 high‑danger chances versus just seven for Vancouver and out‑shooting them 23‑12 in the middle frame. Goalie Leevi Meriläinen made 30 saves with a +1.12 GSAx, yet all four goals allowed were high‑danger. Elias Pettersson was the sole bright spot on defense (63% Corsi), while Guillaume Brisebois struggled with a 23% rate. The final score reflected Minnesota’s dominance despite two late Canucks goals.
The Stanchies: Boo birds rain on Hughes in return to Vancouver; Canucks lose 4-2 to Wild
Quinn Hughes makes his first appearance back in Vancouver as the Minnesota Wild beat the Canucks 4-2 on Sunday night. The article juxtaposes the hostile reception his former teammate Brady Tkachuk receives with Hughes' muted, contemplative return, outlining his seven‑year stint, captaincy, and the turmoil that plagued the Canucks. It notes Hughes' limited comments, the team's lingering struggles, and speculation about his role in the franchise’s recent dysfunction, while highlighting the game’s low‑scoring outcome.
Instant Reaction: Canucks start strong but fall 4-2 to Wild in Hughes’ return to Vancouver
The Vancouver Canucks fall 4-2 to the Minnesota Wild on Oct. 26, 2026, despite a strong opening stretch and the return of Quinn Hughes to his home arena. Hughes gets booed early, but the Canucks dominate the first 20 minutes before Minnesota scores first on Maxim Shabanov (assist: Kaprizov, Boldy). The Wild extend the lead with Bobby Brink in the second and pull even when Hughes powers home his own goal. A late third‑period goal seals a 4‑2 win for Minnesota. Key players mentioned include O’Connor, Pettersson, Gallagher, and Buium, with penalties and power‑play struggles influencing the outcome.
Canucks: What happened the last time a controversial former captain returned to Vancouver?
The article revisits the Canucks’ last hostile captain homecoming—Mark Messier’s November 17, 2000 return—drawing parallels to Quinn Hughes’ upcoming debut with Minnesota on Oct. 25, 2026. It details how Messier, a controversial acquisition who stole the captain’s “C,” wore the unofficially retired #11, clashed with fans, and saw the Canucks miss the playoffs three straight seasons before a costly buyout and a decade‑long legal battle. The piece contrasts that saga with Hughes’ trade, which netted a solid return and left his on‑ice play largely unquestioned. It notes the 4‑3 Canucks win that night, highlighted by Markus Naslund, Todd Bertuzzi and rookie Daniel Sedin.
Scenes from morning skate: Canucks looking to snap winless skid and spoil Quinn Hughes’ homecoming
The Vancouver Canucks (2‑9‑1) try to snap an 0‑8‑1 skid Friday night at Rogers Arena against former captain Quinn Hughes and the Minnesota Wild (7‑3‑2). After a 5‑2 loss to Detroit, coach expects lineup tweaks: Liam Öhgren may return, Leevi Meriläinen likely starts in goal, and Paul Cotter remains a healthy scratch. Scoring leaders include Jonathan Lekkerimäki (four goals, five assists) and Elias Pettersson (four power‑play goals). The Wild, coming off a 5‑1 win over Seattle highlighted by Kirill Kaprizov’s 12th goal, will start Calvin Pickard, while Hughes marks his 499th career point. Both teams have split recent series, and the matchup could dictate the Canucks’ season trajectory.
Canucks place defenceman Jack Thompson on NHL waivers
The Vancouver Canucks have placed 24‑year‑old defenseman Jack Thompson on NHL waivers, clearing him for an AHL assignment with the Abbotsford Canucks. Thompson, acquired last season in a swap with the San Jose Barracuda, impressed in Abbotsford with three goals and 13 points in 14 games, outpacing his AHL production. Drafted 93rd overall by Tampa Bay in 2020, he has 23 goals and 104 points in 217 AHL games and appeared in 34 NHL contests. After recovering from a pre‑camp injury, he’s set to bolster Abbotsford’s right‑side blueline.
Could the Canucks swing a trade for Capitals forward Ivan Miroshnichenko?
Elliotte Friedman reports that the Washington Capitals have allowed 22‑year‑old forward Ivan Miroshnichenko to seek a trade, opening a potential deal for a rebuilding Vancouver Canucks squad. Drafted 20th overall in 2022, Miroshnichenko has appeared in just 55 NHL games, largely blocked by Washington’s deep forward corps. With his waiver exemption expired and limited ice time this season, he could fit Vancouver’s need for a power‑forward who can blend speed, size and a heavy shot. Analysts compare him to former Canuck prospect Vasily Podkolzin, and while the Caps may ask for more than a fourth‑round pick, Vancouver could leverage one of its acquired second‑rounders to negotiate.
Canucks’ Ohgren responds to healthy scratch: ‘I know I have to play harder’
Vancouver winger Liam Öhgren, a 22‑year‑old power forward with size and skill, receives his first healthy scratch of the season after a slump of just one point in eight games. Despite two goals and three assists in 11 contests—including a breakaway feed to Marco Rossi and a game‑winner pass to Elias Pettersson—coach Manny Malhotra says Öhgren must raise his intensity, win puck battles and bring consistency. The Swedish rookie vows to play harder and trust his instincts ahead of the next matchup against the Minnesota Wild, hoping to cement his roster spot.
‘Glad to be somewhere I’m wanted’: Jacob Quillan excited for new opportunity with Canucks
A week after the Vancouver Canucks traded for Jacob Quillan and Brandon Buhr (in exchange for Aatu Räty), both prospects have debuted in the organization. Quillan scored in each of his first two AHL games with the Abbotsford Canucks, playing alongside Ty Mueller and Bennett Schimek and earning special‑teams minutes. The Nova Scotia native, an undrafted free agent who posted 19‑17 goals and 38‑46 points in his last two NCAA seasons at Quinnipiac, says he feels “wanted” in Vancouver after Toronto’s new management moved on. Quillan promises to play a fast, physical 200‑foot game in any situation, from PK to power play.
Former Canucks captain Quinn Hughes speaks ahead of return to Vancouver
Quinn Hughes, former Canucks captain, returns to Vancouver on Sunday night as the Minnesota Wild face his old team for the first time since the October 2025 trade. Speaking to media in Seattle, Hughes expressed deep gratitude for his six‑and‑a‑half years in Vancouver, praised the city’s passion, and refuted claims that he ever quit on the club. He says he’ll give his all for the Wild, even though back‑to‑back games limit his pre‑game meetup with former teammates. The puck drops at 7:00 PM, with a pre‑game show on the DFO Vancouver YouTube channel and a post‑game analysis on Rink Wide.
How Canucks’ Cootes is doing compared to other 2025 first-round picks playing in the AHL
Amid a nine‑game losing streak, Vancouver fans turn to prospects, and 2025 first‑round pick Braeden Cootes is drawing the most hype. Playing for the Abbotsford Canucks in the AHL under a new rule that permits a 19‑year‑old forward, Cootes posts a point‑per‑game pace—six points (three goals, three assists) in six games—outperforming the ten other 2025 first‑rounders in the league. He logs top‑line minutes, power‑play duties, penalty‑kill time and overtime trust, showcasing a creative two‑way game that exceeds early expectations. Yet general manager Ryan Johnson stresses a cautious development plan, vowing to keep Cootes in the AHL to maximize experience before an NHL call‑up.
Scenes from practice: Pettersson and Boeser reunited as Canucks skate at UBC on Saturday
After a Friday off, the Vancouver Canucks held an hour‑long practice at UBC on Saturday to halt a nine‑game skid before Sunday’s showdown with the Minnesota Wild. Coach Manny Malhotra reshuffled lines, reuniting Elias Pettersson with Brock Boeser on a line alongside Drew O’Connor, while Brendan Gallagher paired with Marco Rossi and Jake DeBrusk. Defensive tweaks saw veteran Jamie Oleksiak possibly sitting, with Guillaume Brisebois likely stepping in alongside Luke Schenn. The session focused on breakout drills and net attacks following a 5‑2 loss to Detroit, and featured a fan‑friendly Halloween candy giveaway by Schenn. Malhotra emphasized the need for a stronger energy and response from the team.
Abbotsford Canucks preview: Players to watch in weekend rematch with the Wranglers
The Abbotsford Canucks host the Calgary Wranglers for back‑to‑back games at the Forum on Saturday at 5 p.m. and Sunday at 3 p.m., looking to snap a three‑game win streak and improve their 3‑2‑0‑1 record. Key players include Braeden Cootes (six points in six games), Ty Mueller (four‑goal start), and defenseman Kirill Kudryavtsev, who may return after a short break. Bottom‑six forwards Riley Patterson and Vilmer Alriksson also aim to boost their roles, while goaltenders Nikita Tolopilo and Ty Young could split duties. A two‑win weekend would push the Canucks ahead of the 5‑3 Wranglers for Pacific Division lead.
How the Canucks can fix their early-season defensive breakdowns
The Vancouver Canucks' early‑season defensive lapses stem from miscommunication and players adjusting to new roles under interim coach Manny Malhotra. Center swaps—using larger, faster wingers like Drew O’Connor, Max Sasson and Paul Cotter at the middle—have created positioning gaps, while blue‑line men such as Tom Willander, Marco Rossi, Aatu Räty and Filip Hronek struggle to decide when to chase attackers or cover space. The article argues that the team doesn’t need a structural overhaul, but must improve assignment awareness, on‑ice communication and reaction timing through video review and repetitive drills to make proper positioning instinctive.
‘Glad to be somewhere I’m wanted’: Jacob Quillan excited for new opportunity with Canucks
A week after Vancouver traded for Jacob Quillan and Brandon Buhr from Toronto, both prospects have debuted in the Canucks system. Quillan scored in each of his first two AHL games with Abbotsford, lining up with Ty Mueller and Bennett Schimek and earning special‑teams minutes and an overtime chance. The 23‑year‑old, a former Quinnipiac star who posted 46 points in 39 games last season, says he feels wanted after being moved on by the Maple Leafs’ new management and is eager to contribute with speed, physicality and a 200‑foot game. He’ll be back in action tonight as Abbotsford faces Calgary at 5 PM PT.
Canucks: What kind of reception will Quinn Hughes get when he returns on Sunday?
Quinn Hughes returns to Rogers Arena on Sunday after being dealt to the Minnesota Wild, and Canucks fans are primed to react. The blog compares past hostile homecomings—John Tavares in New York and Brady Tkachuk in Ottawa—to the likely boos Hughes will face whenever he touches the puck. It also questions whether his tribute video will earn cheers, boos, or a mix, noting his record as the franchise’s only Norris Trophy winner and his recent Olympic gold adds to the controversy. With the crowd’s response poised to dominate the pre‑game narrative, the article invites fans to weigh in on how Hughes should be received.
The Canucks are one of the smallest teams in the NHL, but can they change that?
The Athletic’s latest NHL size report shows the Vancouver Canucks as the league’s lightest squad (194.4 lb) and tied for sixth‑shortest (73.3 in). With an average age of 27.1, the rebuild‑focused team is undersized compared to the NHL average of 73.6 in and 201.3 lb. While natural growth from young players like Zeev Buium and Tom Willander will add a few pounds, real change will require roster moves—trading smaller veterans such as Brendan Gallagher and Elias Pettersson and replacing departing big men like Jamie Oleksiak. GM Ryan Johnson is already targeting size in the draft, selecting 6‑foot‑2 Caleb Malhotra, 6‑foot‑1 Adam Novotny and 6‑foot‑7 Brooks Rogowski, signaling a long‑term push toward a bigger lineup.
NHL Notebook: Jets trade Hellebuyck to Devils for package of four players and two draft picks
The Winnipeg Jets finally trade veteran goaltender Connor Hellebuyck to the New Jersey Devils, ending an 11‑year stint. Winnipeg receives forwards Nick Bjugstad and Dawson Mercer, backup netminder Nico Daws, 2027 seventh‑round and 2029 second‑round picks, plus prospect Alexander Command. Mercer, a 24‑year‑old who posted 56 points in 2022‑23, adds depth; Bjugstad is sidelined with a pectoral injury until early 2027; Daws posted a 2.78 GAA in four games. The Devils gain a three‑time Vezina winner without surrendering top‑six talent, positioning themselves as a contender for future free‑agents.
The Statsies: Where the Canucks got dominated at 5v5 again is loss to Red Wings
The Vancouver Canucks fall 5-2 at home to the Detroit Red Wings, extending their losing streak to nine games. The Canucks managed only 10 shots in 40 minutes of 5‑v5 play, were out‑shot 26‑10, and posted a dismal 25.71–27.59 Corsi‑For percentages in the first two periods. Detroit dominated high‑danger chances 13‑3, while Vancouver’s best Corsi‑For came in the third period (55%). Max Sasson was the lone bright spot with a 43.75% CF% and a 55.92% xGF%, whereas Marco Rossi posted a 11.76% CF% and the worst xGF% on the roster. Goaltender Kevin Lankinen steadied a shaky start but still allowed five goals.
Manny Malhotra and Brock Boeser offer up slightly different theories for Canucks’ struggles
The Vancouver Canucks drop a 5-2 decision to the Detroit Red Wings, extending their losing streak to nine games. Forward Brock Boeser blames a lack of cohesion and offensive generation, saying the team looks “embarrassing” and isn’t following the coaches’ system. Coach Manny Malhotra offers a different angle, pointing to effort‑based mistakes like poor battles and missed box‑outs as the root cause. The Canucks now sit last in the league with 56 goals against, while ranking 12th in scoring. A full day off precedes practice at UBC and a home game against the Minnesota Wild on Sunday.
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