As the Vancouver Canucks gear up for the 2025-26 NHL season, several key questions loom over the team, potentially shaping their trajectory and overall success. Here are five burning questions facing the Canucks:
1. How Will the Forward Lines Shake Out?
The Canucks' forward group has undergone significant changes, most notably with the acquisition of Evander Kane. The projected top-six forwards are Evander Kane, Elias Pettersson, Brock Boeser, Jake DeBrusk, Filip Chytil, and Conor Garland. How these players will mesh and which combinations will prove most effective remains to be seen. Additionally, the performance of the bottom-six forwards, including Dakota Joshua, Aatu Raty, Kiefer Sherwood, Nils Hoglander, Teddy Blueger and Drew O'Connor, will be crucial for providing depth and secondary scoring. The development of prospects like Linus Karlsson, Jonathan Lekkerimaki, Max Sasson, and Arshdeep Bains could also factor into the forward lineup.
2. Can the Defense Live Up to Expectations?
The Canucks' defense core is anchored by Quinn Hughes and Filip Hronek, expected to form the top pairing. The team has also added depth with the re-signing of Derek Forbort and the acquisition of Pierre-Olivier Joseph. However, questions remain about the consistency and effectiveness of the defensive pairings. Can Tyler Myers maintain a high level of play alongside Marcus Pettersson? Will prospects like Tom Willander and Victor Mancini be ready to contribute at the NHL level? The answers to these questions will significantly impact the Canucks' ability to prevent goals and support the offense. Tom Willander has an entry-level contract in place for the 2025-2026 season and is expected to be a reliable shutdown defender.
3. Is Thatcher Demko the Franchise Goaltender?
Thatcher Demko has established himself as the Canucks' starting goaltender, and the team has committed to him with a three-year contract extension. However, Demko's consistency and ability to stay healthy remain key concerns. Can he elevate his game to become a true franchise goaltender capable of leading the Canucks deep into the playoffs? Kevin Lankinen will serve as the backup, providing a reliable option in net. The performance of the goaltending duo will be critical to the Canucks' success. Aleksei Medvedev, drafted in 2025, is considered a potential future goaltender for the team.
4. How Will the New Additions Integrate?
The Canucks have made several key additions to their roster, including Evander Kane, Jake DeBrusk, and Pierre-Olivier Joseph. How quickly and effectively these players integrate into the team's system and culture will be crucial. Can Kane provide the offensive boost the Canucks need? Will DeBrusk and Joseph solidify the forward and defensive depth, respectively? The coaching staff's ability to seamlessly incorporate these new faces will be a significant factor in the team's performance.
5. What is the Long-Term Plan for Key Prospects?
The Canucks have a promising group of prospects, including Tom Willander, Jonathan Lekkerimaki, and Braeden Cootes. Determining the right development path for these young players is essential for the team's long-term success. Will they spend time in the AHL with the Abbotsford Canucks, or will they be given opportunities to play in the NHL? How will the organization balance the need to compete in the present with the desire to develop its future stars? The decisions made regarding these prospects will shape the Canucks' roster for years to come.
