‘Tis the NHL pre-season: Big talent and bigger expectations for the Vancouver Canucks

The Vancouver Canucks 2025-26 season has begun with a mix of optimism, high expectations, and some unanswered questions.

After a season of injuries, inconsistency, and tight cap management, this year will be pivotal for the future of the team. If things click, the Canucks could be a serious contender. If not, the window may start to close on our Stanley Cup contention. Here are my key pieces to keep watch for this new season.

Elias Pettersson: Make or break year

There is no way around it — Elias Pettersson needs a comeback year. He put up 45 points in 64 games last season — his lowest output in a non-shortened season — which was a drop from his 89 and 102 points in the prior two seasons. 

Injuries played a big role in his decline in points. Pettersson battled lower-body issues for much of last season, but the clock is still ticking for the Canucks. With most of their core locked down with long-term deals, Pettersson needs to be the centrepiece of the group for the team to succeed. If he can return to his previous production on the ice this season, Vancouver’s offence will be dangerous.

Thatcher Demko and Kevin Lankinen: Dream duo?

Goaltending was a question mark for the Canucks last season, which was also due to injuries. Thatcher Demko only managed 23 games, but he still posted a 10-8-3 record with an .889 save percentage. Kevin Lankinen came in and blew it out of the park, exceeding all expectations with a .902 save percentage, four shutouts, and a new five-year deal to show for it.

Now healthy, Vancouver has one of the NHL’s most reliable duos in their net. If both play up to their potential, the Canucks can crack down on goals against, which sat around the league average last year at 3.06 goals against.

Domineering defence

Led by captain Quinn Hughes and Filip Hronek, the Canucks’ blue line will be locked down. Hughes put up 76 points and averaged over 25-minutes a night last season. Hronek chipped in 33 points and was one of the team’s best. Both offer stability and puck movement that few teams can match. Add in veterans Tyler Myers and Derek Forbort, and now Vancouver has depth and experience, which could land them top five in defence in the NHL. 

Evander Kane: Great fit or misfit?

Evander Kane’s arrival in Vancouver was a big move. The Vancouver-born winger brings grit, scoring, and a chip on his shoulder, but that also comes with his reputation for undisciplined play.

He racked up 85 penalty minutes in the 2023-24 season, the last time he played a regular-season game after recovering from multiple injuries last season.

In a post on X, Kane wrote it’s an honour to play for the team he watched growing up. The emotion can be a positive, but only if Kane channels it into smart, physical hockey. Vancouver doesn’t need him in the penalty box — they need him on the scoresheet.

The Canucks have all the pieces to compete: elite talent, improved goaltending, and a solid blue line. But every strength comes with a question mark. Can Pettersson return to form? Can Demko stay healthy? Will Kane be an asset or a distraction? Can the team survive a season with basically no cap flexibility?

Despite all that’s in the air, one thing is for sure — this Canucks season is one to watch.