Vancouver Canucks re-sign four players and cut ties with four others
The Vancouver Canucks have made a flurry of moves on the eve of free agency.
Aatu Räty, Arshdeep Bains, Max Sasson, and Guillaume Brisebois have each signed new contracts. All four players played the majority of last season in Abbotsford and have varying levels of security going forward.
Räty got the most sizeable deal, a two-year contract worth an NHL minimum salary of $775,000 per season. The 22-year-old centre’s contract is a one-way deal, meaning he’ll be paid NHL money even if he gets sent to the AHL.
Bains also received a two-year deal worth $775,000 per season, but his is a two-way contract in year one and a one-way contract in year two.
Sasson and Brisebois each signed one-year contracts worth $775,000 at the NHL level, but only Sasson’s deal is a one-way contract.
One-way deals don’t guarantee a spot on an NHL roster, but they are a vote of confidence from management. From Canucks GM Patrik Allvin’s comments, it sounds like there is hope that Räty, Bains, and Sasson can each push for a regular spot in Vancouver’s lineup next season.
Räty played 33 NHL games with Vancouver last season, scoring 11 points (7-4-11) in 33 games last season. The Finnish forward scored 40 points in 43 AHL games this season, but injuries limited him to just three points (0-3-3) and six games in the playoffs.
“Aatu had a strong year in Abbotsford and also showed some promise when being called up to the NHL,” said Allvin.
“It was another good step in his development as he continues to learn and grow as a pro. We expect him to have a good summer and come to training camp in September ready to compete for a job in Vancouver.”
Bains, 24, led Abbotsford in scoring during the regular season with 43 points (11-32-43) in 50 games and was second on the team in playoff points with 24 points (7-17-24) in 24 postseason games. The Surrey native also appeared in 13 NHL games with Vancouver, scoring one point (1-0-1).
“Arshdeep had another solid season in Abbotsford as he continues to develop and mature,” said Allvin.
“His game found another gear late in the AHL playoffs when he stepped up and helped lead the way offensively with several big goals. Arsh is now familiar with our system and style of play, and we expect him to push hard for a spot in September.”
Sasson made his NHL debut in 2024-25, appearing in 29 games and scoring seven points (3-4-7) with the Canucks. The 24-year-old Michigan native scored 32 points (13-19-32) in 41 AHL games in the regular season with Abbotsford last season, before adding 14 points (5-9-14) during the Calder Cup Playoffs.
“Max stepped up his game in the playoffs and played a pivotal role for the Abbotsford Canucks during their championship pursuit,” said Allvin.
“His speed, quick pace of play and a lead by example mentality were key contributing factors in helping us win the Calder Cup. That championship-winning experience should help him a lot in his development moving forward.”
Canucks cut ties with four players
The Canucks also announced decisions on six minor-league players that were due qualifying offers to retain their negotiation rights.
Defenceman Jett Woo and goaltender Nikita Tolopilo each received qualifying offers and will remain restricted free agents under club control.
The team cut ties with four other players: Cole McWard, Tristen Nielsen, Ty Glover, and Christian Felton. By not receiving qualifying offers, those four players will become unrestricted free agents.
McWard, 24, was an undrafted free agent signing out of college by the Canucks in 2023. He appeared in six NHL games, scoring one point (1-0-1). Once thought to be an option to play with Quinn Hughes, the right-shot defenceman hasn’t played an NHL game in a year and a half.
What will the Canucks do in free agency?
It remains to be seen what the Canucks will do after free agency opens at 9 am PT on July 1. Barring a last-minute deal, it appears pending unrestricted free agents Brock Boeser, Pius Suter, and Noah Juulsen will be leaving the organization.
The Canucks are eager to find a second-line centre, with Mikael Granlund being a name that has been linked to the team.
There’s also reports that the Canucks will soon sign Thatcher Demko and Conor Garland to new contracts. They’re both eligible to sign extensions on July 1.
It should be an interesting next 24 hours for Canucks fans.