Seven Vancouver Canucks face roster pressure entering the season

A commentary argues that, while the Vancouver Canucks may face comparatively little overall pressure, seven players enter the season needing to prove they deserve one of the NHL’s 23 roster spots.

Forward Elias Pettersson remains under scrutiny. Ryan Johnson said at his May introductory news conference that the club wanted to wipe away expectations for him, but the commentary says Pettersson must play far better whether he hopes for a trade to a preferred destination or to shed the legacy of one of the worst contracts in Canucks history.

Victor Mancini followed a respectable 2024-25 Canucks debut and a strong Abbotsford Calder Cup run with a defensively unsettled 2025-26 season. The 24-year-old appears to be competing with Luke Schenn for an opening-night job, with Jack Thompson also capable of applying pressure through a strong camp. Defenceman Elias Pettersson also took a step back in 2025-26. His skating and heavy hitting stand out, but he must improve defensively; Kirill Kudryavtsev is more polished in that area, and Pettersson remains waiver-exempt.

Kevin Lankinen’s effectiveness declined in 2025-26 amid the Canucks’ poor defensive structure and personal issues off the ice, while Nikita Tolopilo had better numbers. If that continues and Thatcher Demko returns, the 32-year-old could face an awkward position on the goaltending depth chart.

With Filip Chytil reportedly healthy, Aatu Räty is heading to camp as the likely fourth-line centre, but Braeden Cootes outperformed him at last year’s camp and Caleb Malhotra could contend for a job next year. Jake DeBrusk, 30, has five years left at $5.5 million a season and has suggested he did not sign up for a rebuild; the commentary says he would need stronger even-strength play if he wants a trade. Jonathan Lekkerimäki, 22, enters his fifth season since being drafted in 2022. Injuries affected his quiet 2025-26 season, and with waiver eligibility next season, he must show he can become a full-time NHL player.