2025 – @Canucks

The Vancouver Canucks wrapped up their 2025 preseason with a 4–2–0 record, leaving fans optimistic as the regular season approaches. The team showed a strong mix of structure, discipline, and glimpses of skill that highlight the direction of the franchise. While the preseason opener against Seattle resulted in a 5–3 loss, the team quickly found its footing in subsequent games, displaying cohesion and the ability to respond to adversity. The final preseason matchup, a 3–2 overtime victory against Edmonton, served as a showcase for the team’s resilience. Vancouver rallied late in regulation, tying the game, and then secured the win in overtime, demonstrating composure and confidence in close contests.

Veteran leadership was crucial throughout the preseason, with Elias Pettersson continuing to impress with his creativity and ability to generate scoring opportunities. Pettersson’s vision on the ice and quick decision-making have remained a cornerstone of Vancouver’s offense, and his play during preseason games highlighted his role as a central figure in the team’s attack. Quinn Hughes, as captain, anchored the defense and displayed strong two-way play. Hughes’ ability to control the puck, transition from defense to offense, and communicate effectively with teammates helped stabilize the team’s back end during challenging stretches of play. In net, Thatcher Demko served as a reliable presence, starting multiple games and demonstrating consistency and focus. His performances provided confidence to the defensive corps and allowed the team to maintain composure in tight situations. Backup goaltenders also received opportunities during preseason, but Demko’s play clearly signaled that he remains the backbone of the team moving into the regular season.

Under the guidance of head coach Adam Foote, the Canucks emphasized a structured approach, combining disciplined defensive positioning with an opportunistic offensive strategy. The preseason allowed Foote and his coaching staff to experiment with line combinations and defensive pairings while also providing young players and depth options the chance to showcase their skills. These games offered insights into which players are ready for regular-season responsibilities and how the team’s identity will manifest in competitive matchups. The Canucks’ preseason performance, marked by a balance of veterans leading the way and younger players contributing effectively, sets a positive tone for the season. With the roster finding chemistry, the core leaders performing at a high level, and Demko holding the crease securely, Vancouver enters the regular season with a sense of purpose and expectation. Fans can look forward to seeing how the team builds on these early performances as the 2025–26 campaign begins in earnest.