Arshdeep Bains is deeply aware of what this season could mean for his career. Over the past few weeks, he has demonstrated his determination and readiness through his actions and performance. The Vancouver Canucks forward has been one of the most prominent players during training camp and the initial two pre-season games. At 25 years old and in the final year of his current two-year contract with Vancouver, Bains has scored three points across two games since their first game on Saturday. He remains one of 16 forwards on the roster after the team made their latest cuts on Wednesday afternoon.
His strong push to secure a spot on Vancouver’s opening-night roster isn’t solely about his points tally. Bains has injected a high level of energy and pace into the team, helping set a competitive tone even outside official games. Canucks Head Coach Manny Malhotra praised his eagerness and intensity, noting that Bains has been aggressive in practice and has translated that effort into the games, making impactful plays and contributing offensively.
The shortened pre-season—only four games instead of the usual six—has made roster decisions more challenging, as Vancouver’s first pre-season game was played mid-camp rather than at the end. For players like Bains, making an immediate positive impression is crucial in this condensed schedule. Bains commented that the limited pre-season meant he needed to showcase his best qualities right away, emphasizing his competitiveness and desire to help the team succeed.
Throughout the pre-season, Bains has been paired mostly with Braeden Cootes, a former teammate and fellow candidate for the opening roster who also made the team last year. Their chemistry has been notable, dating back to last year’s training camp. Although they were briefly separated during a pre-season game against the Calgary Flames, they reunited and scored Vancouver’s only goal in that game. Bains shared that playing alongside Cootes is enjoyable and effective, citing their good understanding of each other’s game.
In the off-season, Bains dedicated himself to intensive training, including long sessions that sometimes lasted six hours. He stressed that his training was rigorous to prepare for the high stakes of the upcoming season. Bains wasn’t training alone; he benefited from Vancouver’s talented pool of players, including NHL prospects like Macklin Celebrini and Connor Bedard. Training alongside such high-caliber talent has motivated him and fostered a strong team-oriented culture.
Bains’ professional journey has included splitting time between the NHL and AHL over the past two years, with his most active NHL season totaling 28 games in 2025–26. His tenure with the Canucks began in the 2022–23 season. General Manager Ryan Johnson, who has known Bains from the start, praised his work ethic and character, emphasizing his importance to the organization.
This year represents a significant opportunity for Bains. With vacant roster spots up for grabs and his experience from previous seasons, he is approaching the season with a renewed mindset, eager to prove he belongs at the NHL level permanently. He reflected on overcoming adversity and highlighted his motivation to demonstrate his skills and secure a regular spot on the team.
Hockey fans should keep an eye on Bains’ progress, as his drive and performance could influence Vancouver’s lineup decisions and potentially serve as an example for young players striving to reach the NHL. His story underscores how determination and effort often define a player’s career trajectory and impact team dynamics.
Fan Take: Bains’ resurgence highlights the importance of perseverance and seizing opportunities—traits that inspire fans and young players alike. His journey reminds us that in hockey, hard work and attitude often matter just as much as talent, shaping the future of the sport.
Source: sports.yahoo.com
