It's now or never for these Canucks players to make an impact in 2026-27
The time comes for everyone.
As hockey players push for NHL jobs, there comes a time when they must prove they belong.
You could argue that the Vancouver Canucks had a couple of those guys in the organization last year.
One was Linus Karlsson, who made the team out of camp but sat as a healthy scratch at the beginning of the year. If he didn’t prove his worth in a contract year, he assuredly wouldn’t be with the Canucks anymore.
Instead, the 26-year-old had a breakout season, leading the Canucks in even-strength scoring. He parlayed that into a two-year contract extension worth $2.4 million per season.
Another now-or-never player last season was Vitali Kravtsov, who came back to Vancouver for a second go-around. It didn’t last long as he was sent to the AHL, and soon thereafter returned to Russia.
For the 2026-27 Canucks, here are seven players facing now-or-never scenarios
1. Jonathan Lekkerimäki
- 2025-26 NHL stats: 13 GP, 2 G, 1 A, 3 PTS
During last year’s preseason, Jonathan Lekkerimäki looked like he was poised to take a step forward. He scored a couple of goals during camp and flashed some chemistry with Braeden Cootes. The 5-foot-11 winger even scored in the season opener.
However, an injury suffered during the Canucks sixth game of the season set him back. He missed a chunk of time, returned, and then was sidelined for the season in February.
Lekkerimäki is now entering his draft-plus-five season. He’ll require waivers next season, too. He doesn’t have to start the season with the big-club Canucks, but this is a huge season for him to prove he belongs in the NHL.
2. Aatu Räty
Can Aatu Räty prove he’s more than just a fourth-line centre? (Bob Frid/Imagn Images)
- 2025-26 NHL stats: 66 GP, 4 G, 10 A, 14 PTS
Aatu Räty set a high bar for himself at the tail end of the 2024-25 season, posting five goals and seven points in 12 games. But last season, the hardworking centre often looked a tad slow defensively. Offensively, he posted just four goals and 14 points.
Is he just a fourth-line centre, or can he be something more?
The 6-foot-2 Fin has the drive and work ethic to succeed. He also led all Canucks forwards with 11 five-on-five points back in early December. If Filip Chytil isn’t ready to play, Räty has a clear-cut role as Vancouver’s third-line centre.
3. Victor Mancini
- 2025-26 stats: 24 GP, 0 G, 3 A, 3 PTS
More was expected of Victor Mancini last season.
The smooth-skating, 6-foot-5 defenceman flashed some pizzazz during his Canucks debut in 2024-25. Then, he became a top-pairing, all-situation defender for the Abbotsford Canucks during their Calder Cup championship.
At the NHL level last season, Mancini’s play was chaotic. We’re about to find out if a less chaotic environment, and the Manny Maholtra coaching bump, can rub off on him.
4. Nikita Tolopilo
- 2025-26 stats: 6-11-2, 3.61 GAA, .881 SV%
Soft-spoken Nikita Tolopilo outplayed Canucks backup Kevin Lankinen last season, although his overall numbers weren’t necessarily flattering.
Still, the bombastic environment in front of him made this unequivocally more difficult. He made good strides towards becoming an NHLer last season, but this is a big year for him to prove that he’s worthy of occupying a full-time roster spot.
5. Arshdeep Bains
Canucks winger Arshdeep Bains is entering a contract year. (Bob Frid/Imagn Images)
- 2025-26 stats: 6-11-2, 3.61 GAA, .881 SV%
Considering how dynamic Arshdeep Bains was for the Abbotsford Canucks during their championship run, it was a bit disappointing to see the Surrey native struggle at the NHL level.
He had an electric first game defensively, but that was the peak of his season.
No one is expecting Bains to make the roster, and he’s already cleared waivers. Still, he’s a 25-year-old in a contract year. Bains doesn’t have many more chances to prove he can be a full-time NHL player.
6. Ilya Safonov
- 2025-26 KHL stats: 66 GP, 16 G, 17 A, 33 PTS
Ryan Johnson’s first signing as Canucks GM is gunning for an NHL spot.
Ilya Safonov is a hulking, face-off-winning, defence-first centre. While his footspeed and offensive ceiling are potential red flags, his puck-hounding style could fit in well with Manny Malhotra.
We’ve seen this with Russian players before, though. If their NHL dreams seem unlikely soon after arrival, skaters like Safonov will often head back home.
7. Jack Thompson
- 2025-26 AHL stats: 56 GP, 6 G, 19 A, 25 PTS
You could call him a deep, dark horse to challenge for a roster spot at Canucks camp.
The Canucks acquired Jack Thompson from the San Jose Sharks for Jett Woo at the trade deadline. Immediately after joining Abbotsford, the steady defenceman was one of their best players, posting 13 points in 14 games.
Thompson is a year removed from playing 31 NHL games, but spent all of last season in the AHL.
If he’s going to push for an NHL spot, 2026-27 looks like a now-or-never opportunity for the 24-year-old.