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The Vancouver Canucks are preparing for the 2026-27 NHL season, with preseason games and roster decisions currently dominating the latest Canucks news. Vancouver recently completed training camp in Penticton and has started reducing its large preseason roster. The team also suffered a 3-1 preseason defeat to the Calgary Flames on September 22.
With the regular season approaching, attention is now focused on Vancouver’s final preseason games, young players competing for NHL positions and the team’s preparations under head coach Manny Malhotra.
Canucks Latest News Today: Top Headlines
- Vancouver Canucks lost 3-1 to the Calgary Flames in preseason action.
- Arshdeep Bains scored Vancouver’s only goal against Calgary.
- The Canucks managed just 10 shots on goal in the game.
- Goaltender Kevin Lankinen stopped 28 of Calgary’s 31 shots.
- Vancouver reduced its preseason roster by 11 players.
- The Canucks entered the latest roster-cut stage with 46 players remaining.
- Training camp concluded in Penticton after four days of preparation.
- Young defenceman Kirill Kudryavtsev is competing for a full-time NHL position.
- Vancouver has additional preseason games remaining before the regular season begins.
Vancouver Canucks Preseason Update
The Canucks faced the Calgary Flames on Tuesday, September 22, in their second preseason game. Vancouver struggled to generate offensive chances and finished the contest with only 10 shots on goal.
Arshdeep Bains scored the Canucks’ lone goal, while Kevin Lankinen made 28 saves. Calgary finished with 31 shots and won the game 3-1.
The result comes during an important period for Vancouver, as coaching staff and management are evaluating players before finalizing the regular-season roster.
Canucks Roster Cuts
Vancouver announced its first major round of preseason roster cuts on September 21. General manager Ryan Johnson reduced the roster by 11 players, bringing the preseason group down to 46.
Several players were assigned to the Abbotsford Canucks of the American Hockey League, including Vilmer Alriksson, Gabriel Chiarot, Anri Ravinskis, Aku Koskenvuo and Ty Young.
Five players released from professional tryout contracts were also set to join Abbotsford, while Lucian Bernat was assigned to his junior team.
More roster decisions are expected as Vancouver works toward the 23-player NHL regular-season limit.
Canucks Training Camp 2026
The Vancouver Canucks held their 2026 training camp from September 17 to 20 in Penticton, British Columbia. The original camp roster contained 57 players, including 33 forwards, 17 defencemen and seven goaltenders.
The organization used the camp to introduce systems, evaluate players and prepare the group for the upcoming NHL season.
General manager Ryan Johnson said the four-day camp provided an opportunity for players to separate themselves from the competition. Head coach Manny Malhotra also highlighted the players’ adaptability and ability to quickly understand the team’s systems.
Young Players in Focus
One of the major storylines around the Canucks is the development of younger players.
Defenceman Kirill Kudryavtsev is among the players attracting attention during preseason. The 22-year-old was selected by Vancouver in the 2022 NHL Draft and has already appeared in NHL games.
Kudryavtsev is now competing for an opportunity to establish himself as a full-time NHL player. His previous AHL experience, including a Calder Cup title, is part of his development as he attempts to secure a larger role with Vancouver.
Canucks Season Preparation
The Canucks are entering the final stage of their preseason preparations. The organization has emphasized building a foundation under Manny Malhotra while management continues evaluating the roster.
The team’s official schedule lists a preseason matchup with the Edmonton Oilers on September 24 following the Calgary game.
The regular season is scheduled to begin at the end of September, meaning the remaining preseason games will be important for players attempting to secure roster positions.
Canucks 2026-27 Season: What to Watch
Several storylines will remain important as the season approaches:
- Final roster selections.
- Development of Vancouver’s young players.
- Offensive production during preseason.
- Goaltending performances.
- New systems under Manny Malhotra.
- The roles of established players and prospects.
- Vancouver’s transition from preseason preparation to regular-season competition.
The Canucks’ official news feed continues to highlight training camp developments, roster decisions and preparations for the 2026-27 campaign.
