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Aquilini says Vancouver Canucks 'not for sale' in bizarre social media post

Adam Laskaris
Adam Laskaris
|
Jun 24 2025, 2:37 am
Aquilini says Vancouver Canucks 'not for sale' in bizarre social media post
Vancouver Canucks/YouTube

Some 21 years after Francesco Aquilini first bought an ownership stake in the Vancouver Canucks, he’s finally able to celebrate a championship.

And he’s making it clear he doesn’t appear ready to leave the province’s hockey scene anytime soon.

Within minutes of the Abbotsford Canucks winning the organization’s first-ever AHL title in a Game 6 victory over the Charlotte Checkers,  the Canucks’ chairman took to X to congratulate the team.

“Abbotsford Canucks are your 2025 Calder Cup Champs!”  Aquilini wrote in a post on X. “Heart, hustle, & history made. A testament to the hard work, leadership, & character of our players, coaches, and staff. Proud of this team & what it means for Canucks hockey.”

A typical congratulations post, right? Well, it would’ve been if not for the final of three hashtags attached. Aquilini also added in two tame ones: #CalderCup and #AbbotsfordCanucks, before deciding to toss in #teamnotforsale at the end of his post.

Aquilini appeared to be referencing the recent departure of his brother Paolo, who appears to have exited his role in the team’s ownership group earlier and as an alternate governor earlier this year, while fellow sibling Roberto remains involved in the team as an alternate governor himself.

The trio are the sons of Luigi Aquilini, who founded the wide-ranging family business Aquilini Investment Group after immigrating to Canada from Italy in the 1950s.

“We know that they need to come up with a whole bunch of money to buy out Paolo. And we know that the decision-making isn’t going to be moving from Francesco anytime soon,” Cam Robinson of Elite Prospects said in a recent interview with Sekeres and Price.

“They are looking to sell off some assets,” Robinson added.

Frank Seravalli from Daily Faceoff shared similar thoughts in interview with Mike Halford and Jason Brough on Sportsnet 650.

“It’s been an ongoing tug-of-war behind the scenes,” Seravalli said. “Everyone has seen the reporting of Paolo Aquilini separating himself from the rest of the family business, and him essentially being bought out. That part has dragged on for a bit.”

Forbes’ latest NHL franchise valuation lists the Canucks being worth $1.95 billion.

While we might not be quite at the end of the power struggle that appears to be going on at the top of the Canucks organization, we doubt it will ever be a boring one to follow.

With files from Rob Williams.

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