Vancouver Canucks shoot down rumour that Aquilini family might sell the team
The Vancouver Canucks have responded to a rumour floating around Thursday morning about a potential sale of the team.
In an article published in the Toronto Star, NHL insider Nick Kypreos wrote that the Aquilini family may be interested in selling the team.
“One question starting to circulate out of Vancouver is whether or not the Aquilini family is contemplating selling part or the majority of the Canucks,” Kypreos wrote.
Kypreos suggested the drama around the franchise over the past 12 months could be motivating the Aquilini family to consider selling the club. The past year has brought many storylines, including the public J.T. Miller and Elias Pettersson feud, Rick Tocchet leaving the club, and a dramatic tumble down the standings.
When asked about the report, a team spokesperson confirmed with Daily Hive that the Canucks are not for sale.
The Canucks and Aquilini-owned Rogers Arena are likely worth somewhere between $2-3 billion per Kypreos. The team was valued at US$1.73 billion by Sportico in October 2024, representing an increase of more than US$500 million from October 2023. Forbes valued the team at US$1.94 billion in December 2024.
That makes the Canucks the fourth-most valuable Canadian franchise and the 13th most valuable NHL team.
The Aquilini family first purchased a stake in the Canucks more than 20 years ago in 2004. They took over full control in 2006. They have also renovated Rogers Arena and built two residential and office towers in the last decade.
While NHL owners have experienced significant growth in franchise value over the past few years, there may be challenging times ahead for Canadian franchises. The salary cap is expected to increase by $25.5 million over the next three seasons, and to remain competitive, teams will need to increase their player payrolls.
Since all expenses are paid in U.S. dollars, Canadian teams will feel a greater impact, especially given the unfavourable currency conversion rate at the moment.
Canucks president of hockey operations Jim Rutherford was honest about how the increased salary cap, and Rogers Arena renovations, have affected ticket prices, which are increasing again next year by more than 10%.
“Part of [ticket prices going up] is not just about the hockey team, with the cap going up, that is part of it, but another part of it is the building that we have. Investing money back into an older building,” explained Rutherford at his year-end press conference.
The Canucks have increased in value significantly since the Aquilini family purchased the team. While there are rumours they may be interested in selling off the asset, for now, a club spokesperson insists that is not the case.