The Vancouver Canucks, after a loss on Saturday, are back in action on Tuesday for their second pre-season game against the Calgary Flames. They will be traveling to Calgary for the match, set to begin at 6:00 pm PT. Here are five players to watch during the game:
Arshdeep Bains
This season, Arshdeep Bains’s role will be interesting to follow. The 25-year-old is likely headed to the AHL, but he would need to clear waivers before being assigned to Abbotsford Canucks. He is expected to play alongside Aatu Räty and Matt Stienburg, and Bains will need a strong showing on Tuesday to earn a spot on the NHL roster.
Kevin Lankinen
This game marks Kevin Lankinen’s first start of the season. The 31-year-old didn’t have the best training camp, but facing an NHL team will provide a better gauge of his performance. With Thatcher Demko’s status still uncertain, the Canucks are probably counting on Lankinen once again this year, as he’s currently their projected starter for opening night.
Victor Mancini
Victor Mancini is another player on the cusp of making the NHL team. The 24-year-old had a tough game Saturday against the Seattle Kraken and is competing for a spot as the seventh defenseman. He is expected to have plenty of ice time on Tuesday and must demonstrate his reliability in his own zone against NHL-level competition.
Aatu Räty
Tuesday is a crucial night for Räty, as it will be his last pre-season game for 2026. Due to new CBA rules, the 23-year-old can no longer participate in additional pre-season games after this one, having reached his maximum of two. He’s projected to start as Vancouver’s fourth-line center, and needs to show he can contribute on both offense and defense.
Brooks Rogowski
One prospect to watch is Brooks Rogowski. The 2026 second-round pick has had a decent training camp, and now he’s ready to compete against NHL players. Standing at 6’7″ and weighing 235 lbs, Rogowski’s debut should be hard to miss during the game.
The Vancouver Canucks are set to face the Calgary Flames on Tuesday night in what promises to be an exciting pre-season matchup.
Fan Take:
This game is more than just a pre-season contest – it’s a pivotal opportunity for players like Bains, Mancini, and Räty to prove they belong on the NHL roster. For hockey fans, these emerging talents and roster battles highlight the endless pursuit of excellence that fuels the sport’s excitement and unpredictability.
Source: sports.yahoo.com
