Canucks bolster roster with key signings
The Vancouver Canucks have made several additions to their roster, focusing on veteran leadership, experience, and organizational depth. These moves aim to shape the team for the upcoming 2026-27 season. Among the early signings, defenceman Luke Schenn is returning to Vancouver on a one-year contract. The team also secured forward Paul Cotter on a one-year deal, while forwards Akil Thomas and Trey Fix-Wolansky signed one-year, two-way contracts. Additionally, veteran defenceman Jamie Oleksiak joined the team on a two-year contract.
In a separate move, the Canucks traded Marcus Pettersson to the New York Rangers for a conditional first-round pick in the 2030 Draft. General Manager Ryan Johnson expressed satisfaction with the day’s events, highlighting his staff’s flexibility in seizing opportunities. Johnson emphasized a strategic approach throughout the process, focusing on player profiles and character, and prioritizing individuals who want to be in Vancouver.
Schenn’s return and veteran presence
Luke Schenn, a familiar face to Canucks fans, previously played for the team during the 2018-19 season and again from 2021-23. Schenn expressed his enthusiasm for returning, stating his commitment to the organization’s rebuild efforts. He has played in 1,122 NHL games, accumulating 212 points (45 goals, 167 assists) over a career. Schenn’s long tenure in the league has fostered a strong bond with General Manager Ryan Johnson, who was with the Utica Comets when Schenn was traded there in the 2018-19 season.
Schenn credits Johnson with playing a significant role in his return to the NHL, recalling Johnson’s support during his time with Utica. He also has a history with Head Coach Manny Malhotra, having played under him in Vancouver and Toronto when Malhotra was an assistant coach for both organizations. Schenn noted Malhotra’s preparedness in video analysis and communication skills, which players enjoyed. Schenn’s contract is valued at $2.25 million for the 2026-27 season. He has also won two Stanley Cups with the Tampa Bay Lightning in 2020 and 2021.
Last season, Schenn split his time between the Winnipeg Jets and Buffalo Sabres, recording one goal and six assists across 50 games. His career includes stints with 10 teams, such as the Philadelphia Flyers, Los Angeles Kings, Arizona Coyotes, Anaheim Ducks, and Nashville Predators.
New additions and organizational depth
Paul Cotter was the first signing announced by the Canucks on the opening day of free agency. The winger has NHL experience, with games played. During the last season with the New Jersey Devils, Cotter registered points, including goals, in games. Johnson highlighted Cotter’s speed, size, physical play, and scoring touch, believing there is still untapped potential in the player. Cotter’s contract is a one-year deal for $2.15 million and he also brings Stanley Cup-winning experience from his time with the Vegas Golden Knights in 2023.
Akil Thomas, drafted by the Los Angeles Kings in the second round of the 2018 NHL Draft, has played AHL games for the Ontario Reign and Springfield Thunderbirds, accumulating points. In NHL games for the Kings, Thomas recorded goals and assists. His contract is a two-way deal that will pay him $900,000 in the NHL and $375,000 in the minors. Thomas played in NHL regular-season games with the Kings in 2024-25.
Trey Fix-Wolansky was a seventh-round pick by the Columbus Blue Jackets in the 2018 NHL Draft. He played for Columbus’ AHL affiliate, the Cleveland Monsters, from 2019-25 and spent last season with the Hartford Wolfpack. With the Wolfpack, he tallied points in games, leading the team in goals and points. Fix-Wolansky played in NHL games for Columbus, registering goals and assists. His two-way contract will see him earn $900,000 in the NHL and $525,000 in the AHL.
Jamie Oleksiak, a defenceman, has played NHL games over a career, accumulating points (45 goals, assists). He spent time with the Seattle Kraken after being claimed in the 2021 expansion draft. Johnson emphasized the importance of depth to manage injuries and player movement, ensuring young players in Abbotsford are supported in their development.
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Source: nhl.com
