The Vancouver Canucks are heading into the 2025-26 NHL season with high expectations, and a strong defense corps will be crucial to their success. With a mix of established NHL players and promising prospects, the Canucks' blueline is shaping up to be a formidable force.
At the forefront of the Canucks' defense is Quinn Hughes, the team's captain and a Norris Trophy winner. Hughes' exceptional skating, playmaking ability, and defensive acumen make him the cornerstone of the team. His partner, Filip Hronek, complements Hughes well with his own offensive capabilities and strong defensive play. The Canucks also boast shutdown defensemen in Marcus Pettersson and Tyler Myers, who excel at limiting opponents' scoring chances. Elias Pettersson, who earned a call-up at the end of last season, is another valuable piece of the Canucks' defensive core.
Beyond the established NHL players, the Canucks have a crop of promising defensive prospects who are vying for a spot on the team. Tom Willander, drafted 11th overall in 2023, is a highly touted prospect with top-four potential. Willander is a two-way, strong-skating defenseman with refined puck skills and excellent gap control. Kirill Kudryavtsev, a seventh-round pick in 2022, has impressed with his steady development and strong play in the AHL. Kudryavtsev's calm and poised two-way game could translate to a bottom-pairing role in the NHL. Victor Mancini, a physical and smooth-skating defenseman, is also in the mix for a roster spot.
The Canucks' defensive depth extends beyond these top prospects. Sawyer Mynio is coming off a solid season in the WHL, while other prospects like Parker Alcos and Basile Sansonnens add to the team's defensive pool. While the Canucks' prospect pipeline may lack overall depth, the high-end talent has the potential to make an impact in the NHL.
Looking ahead to the 2025-26 season, potential defensive pairings could feature Hughes and Hronek on the top pair, followed by Marcus Pettersson and Tyler Myers. The third pairing could see a rotation of players like Derek Forbort, Elias Pettersson, Tom Willander, and Victor Mancini. Pierre-Olivier Joseph provides additional depth and versatility.
With a strong core of NHL players and a promising group of prospects, the Vancouver Canucks are well-positioned to have a great defense corps in 2025-26. The team's ability to blend offensive talent with defensive responsibility will be key to their success. The emergence of young players like Willander and Kudryavtsev will further solidify the Canucks' blueline and provide a foundation for long-term success.
