It’s been a rapid decline for the Vancouver Canucks since they lost in the second round of the 2024 playoffs to the Edmonton Oilers.

On Tuesday, the two teams kick off their season in a rematch of that series. It isn’t much of a competition, as the Canucks have fallen on hard times, featuring a fire sale of their top talent and a last-place finish in the standings last season.

Let’s take a look at how their off-season went, and how bad it’ll be for them and their fans this coming season.

What major acquisitions did the Canucks make this off-season?

The Canucks had an off-season. Was it good? Probably not. Before June’s draft, the Canucks hired Manny Malhotra, who spent three seasons with the team from 2010-11 until 2012-13, helping the team reach just their second Stanley Cup Final appearance in 2011. Shortly after his retirement, he joined the Canucks’ organization, where he has been ever since.

Less than a month after hiring Malhotra, they drafted his son Caleb with the third overall pick. This isn’t a nepotism pick, as C. Malhotra was seen as one of the top draft prospects, scoring 29 goals and 84 points in 67 regular season games with the Ontario Hockey League’s Brantford Bulldogs, then another 13 goals and 26 points in 15 playoff games. He’ll join Boston University for the 2026-27 season.

The Canucks are a young rebuilding team, and they locked up their future (I guess current) top defenceman, Zeev Buium. After just 80 NHL games, the 20-year-old signed an eight-year deal with an annual cap hit of $9.38 million, set to begin next season.

But since they are a rebuilding team, the Canucks also focused on bringing in veterans. After 14 seasons with the Montréal Canadiens, the Canucks acquired 34-year-old Brendan Gallagher. Although he was born in Edmonton, Gallagher grew up in the Vancouver metro area and played his junior hockey with the Western Hockey League’s Vancouver Giants.

Another veteran who played his junior hockey with a team based in British Columbia is Luke Schenn, who joined the team for his second stint. He’ll provide some leadership on the back end, as will Jamie Oleksiak, who also joined the team via free agency.

Other small signings include Paul Cotter, Akil Thomas, Trey Fix-Wolansky, and Matthew Steinburg.

Which key players departed the Canucks this off-season?

The Canucks didn’t bring in any high-talented players, at least any that can impact the team in 2026-27. They didn’t really lose anyone either, as the most notable player who departed the team was Nils Höglander, who scored 24 goals and 36 points in 2023-24. However, the Swede scored just two goals and five points in 38 games for the Canucks in 2025-26. He was traded for a third-rounder in the 2029 NHL Draft.

Marcus Pettersson was also traded because apparently three players with the last name Pettersson is too many. Acquired in February 2025 from the New York Rangers for a package centred around a first-round pick, he was sent back to the Rangers for their 2030 first-rounder. Sure.

Former Oiler Evander Kane remains a free agent, but has more than likely finished his tenure with the Canucks. If his career has come to an end, there is just one more former Atlanta Thrasher (Zach Bogosian) left in the league. Bogosian is also just one of three players left who doesn’t wear a visor.

Like Kane, Jayden Grubbe was formerly in the Oilers organization and remains a free agent. As does defenceman Derek Forbort, who played just two games for the Canucks last season. Veteran Teddy Blueger signed with the Toronto Maple Leafs.

The Canucks’ 2026-27 outlook

They’re going to be bad. I don’t think I need to elaborate further.

Cynthia Ryley Delaney is a Nation Network writer for DFOEdmonton, DFOCalgary, and Blue Jays Nation. Follow her on X at @CynthiaRDelaney.

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