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The forgotten 5-foot-7 forward who could surprise at Canucks camp

Trevor Beggs
Trevor Beggs
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Sep 3 2026, 11:22 pm
The forgotten 5-foot-7 forward who could surprise at Canucks camp
Candice Ward/USA TODAY Sports

Vancouver Canucks fans have been enthralled with their short kings in recent seasons.

There was undrafted free agent Troy Stecher, who’s carved out a decade-long NHL career since making his Canucks debut in 2016. Conor Garland was one of the team’s hardest-working players for most of his five-year Vancouver tenure, while Nils Hoglander wowed fans with his skills after being drafted in 2019.

None of them are with the Canucks anymore.

So, who will the next short king be? Marco Rossi and Brendan Gallagher, both listed at 5-foot-9, could be fan favourites this season.

But there’s another forgotten Canucks signee who’s a dark horse contender to make the roster.

On July 1, the Canucks signed Trey Fix-Wolansky to a one-year deal worth $900,000. And, at 27 years old, time is running out for the ultra-competitive winger to crack an NHL roster full-time.

If there’s a time for the 5-foot-7, 190-pound forward to make an NHL squad, it’s likely with a Canucks team that’s destined for the league’s basement.

Former Canucks first-rounder Brendan Gaunce played with Fix-Wolansky for four seasons down with the Cleveland Monsters, and he provided some insight on what makes him an effective pro hockey player, in spite of his size.

“I think it’s very similar to those other guys you mentioned [Stecher, Garland and Hoglander],” Gaunce told Daily Hive. “It’s the chip on their shoulder. It’s the ‘we won’t take no for an answer’ type mentality they all have. It’s what’s gotten them to where they are. I think that’s their best quality, and it’s no different for Trey.”

“Whether he’s in the NHL or the AHL, he’s going to score some goals that take you out of your seats. He can change the game on a dime. He truly just needs one shift, and he can score a massive goal.”

Fix-Wolansky has gotten some looks in the NHL with Columbus, and that included scoring in his first NHL game.

However, despite getting recalled to the Blue Jackets in three consecutive seasons, Fix-Wolansky wasn’t able to stick around.

“The funny thing that I’ve seen over the years is that there are lots of players in the NHL that could play in the NHL,” Gaunce said. “It’s just a matter of timing, of opportunity, what’s given to you, if there are injuries or whatever it is, and the player he is, the way he can score. I just think it’s an opportunity thing for him.”

Not only is Fix-Wolansky a creative offensive player, but there’s a tenacity to him as well.

Just look at this clip from 2024, when he defends his teammate by going after Elmer Soderblom, who towers over Fix-Wolansky, standing at 6-foot-8.

The Canucks have been lacking some of that in recent seasons.

“He just loves hockey,” Gaunce said. “He loves being one of the guys. He loves to score goals. He loves to celebrate. He brings a lot of energy to the rink, and I think he just loves what he’s doing.”

Fix-Wolansky hasn’t played in the NHL since the 2023-24 season. Last year, he signed with the New York Rangers, but spent the season with their AHL affiliate. Still, he led the Hartford Wolfpack with 31 goals, a total that ranked fifth among all AHLers.

With Filip Chytil reportedly healthy, it lessens the chance that Fix-Wolansky can crack the opening night roster, unless there’s an injury or he beats out a guy like Paul Cotter of Max Sasson.

But even with everyone healthy, there’s a pretty clear path for the Edmonton native to crack the team as a 13th forward.

Based on his age, it makes sense to have a guy like Fix-Wolansky in that role, rather than a young Canucks forward who could use more development time in the AHL.

And who knows, if he gets his opportunity, the former seventh-round pick could beat the odds and surprise fans, something he’s been doing his entire life.

“There’s no doubt in my mind he could play in the NHL,” Gaunce said. “Whether that’s on the second line or third line, who knows? That’s not my job, but he definitely has the qualities to play in the NHL.”

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