Welcome to this edition of Hockey News’ Vancouver Canucks Mail Bags, where we respond to questions about the team’s current status. In this article, we’ll explore topics such as potential prospects, Elias Pettersson’s performance, and more.
Where will Aatu Räty fit into next season’s lineup?
Aatu Räty’s role next season will largely hinge on whether Vancouver decides to upgrade the second-line center position. While Räty has experience playing as a third-line center, his most suitable spot might actually be on the fourth line for the upcoming season. Given that he has only played 48 career NHL games over the past three seasons, playing on the fourth line would allow him to gradually adjust to the NHL. Räty’s strong faceoff skills also make him a valuable asset on the penalty kill. When tasked with penalty-killing duties, he has shown the ability to win faceoffs or, at the very least, maintain strong defensive positioning, enabling him to remain effective on the ice without harming his team’s chances.
Will Elias Pettersson reach 100 points next season?
Elias Pettersson is a major topic of discussion this offseason, with some questioning his ability to return to top form. However, Pettersson appears healthy and motivated to prove doubters wrong in the 2025-26 season. As the Canucks’ key player moving forward, a strong performance is expected if the team aims to progress toward the 2026 Stanley Cup playoffs. While Pettersson has the potential to hit the 100-point mark, it’s more realistic to expect him to score between 90 and 95 points next season, keeping him in contention for the Selke Trophy. Additionally, Pettersson has been selected for Team Sweden at the 2026 Winter Olympics, where he is anticipated to perform better than in last year’s international competitions.
Is Kirby Dach the right fit as the Canucks’ second-line center?
Kirby Dach is a player with potential but has yet to have a true breakout season after being drafted third overall in 2019 by the Montreal Canadiens. Injuries have limited him to just 59 games over the last two seasons. Dach and Philip Chytil share similar career trajectories as third-line centers who could step up to the second line if needed. However, based on Dach’s performance so far, he may not be the solution to Vancouver’s second-line center needs.
What about Wilson Bjork?
Wilson Bjork is a promising talent who impressed in the J20 league, scoring 67 points in 43 games last season, and has caught the attention of Sweden’s 2026 World Junior Team. Bjork is a versatile forward capable of playing both wing and center. At the development camp, Bjork stood out for his composure with the puck and ability to deliver precise passes to teammates in scoring positions. He plans to play NCAA hockey next season at the University of Colorado, which will help him adjust to North American ice before advancing to the professional level.
Which 2025 NHL Draft prospect is the most exciting?
The Canucks added six intriguing prospects in the 2025 NHL Entry Draft, with valuable later-round picks. The most exciting prospects are their first two picks, Braeden Cootes and Alexei Medvedev, both of whom have signed entry-level contracts and will return to the CHL next season. Cootes projects as a potential NHL center, while Medvedev might become a key player for Vancouver in the future. Both impressed at this year’s development camp with their competitiveness and skill, making them ones to watch when the team gathers for prospect games and training camp with the Seattle Kraken.
Fan Take: This update is important for hockey fans because it highlights Vancouver’s blend of promising young talent and strategic lineup decisions that could shape their future competitiveness. Watching the development of players like Pettersson, Räty, and Bjork will be crucial in determining whether the Canucks can rise to challenge the NHL’s elite teams.
