5 Bold Vancouver Canucks Predictions for 2026-27

For the first time in a while, the Vancouver Canucks are entering a season without the expectation of making the playoffs. Most anticipate them to finish near the league's bottom and contend for the top pick in the 2027 Draft. They are in a clear rebuild, and it's likely to be another challenging season for Canucks fans. However, this doesn't mean there won't be surprises and positive developments along the way. Here are some bold predictions for the 2026-27 season.

Jonathan Lekkerimäki Establishes Himself in the Top 6 & Scores 25 Goals

After his season was cut short in February, Jonathan Lekkerimäki is expected to hit the ground running in training camp and the preseason. He remains a crucial part of the Canucks' future and will have a significant opportunity to secure a spot in the top six and on the first-unit power play. Having already demonstrated his scoring ability in the American Hockey League (AHL), this season will be when he proves he can do the same in the NHL.

Markus Naslund, also known for his potent shot, broke out in the NHL at 22, the same age Lekkerimäki is now. Naslund, acquired by the Canucks from the Pittsburgh Penguins in 1995-96, finished with 22 goals after scoring just four and two in the preceding seasons. Lekkerimäki has posted similar NHL stats so far, with two goals last season and three in 2024-25. However, Naslund did not have to undergo major shoulder surgery, making it interesting to see how quickly Lekkerimäki recovers and whether his shot is affected positively or negatively by it.

As this is a bold prediction, it's suggested that the surgery will positively impact Lekkerimäki's shot, leading him to be among the team's top scorers with 25 goals. He will also be the primary offensive threat on the power play, reaching double digits in power-play goals.

Braeden Cootes Finishes Game 84 as the Top-Line Centre

Turning to another emerging young player, Braeden Cootes, this won't be his first taste of NHL action. He surprisingly made the Canucks' opening-night roster last season and played three unremarkable games, with no points and a minus-2 rating. This season is expected to be entirely different, as he is coming off another standout campaign in the Western Hockey League (WHL) and now understands what to expect in the NHL. Furthermore, unlike in 2025-26, he can be sent to Abbotsford to develop rather than returning to the WHL, where he has nothing left to prove.

Cootes possesses the makings of a Bo Horvat/Nick Suzuki-type center – a player who might not always make highlight reels but plays elite two-way hockey. While it's not predicted he will reach their heights this season, he is expected to finish Game 84 against the Calgary Flames as the Canucks' top-line center. It's also predicted he will score 20 goals. He might spend a short time in the AHL at the beginning of the season, but after a couple of months of dominant play, he will transition to the NHL full-time and gradually move up the lineup.

Last year, a prediction was made that Elias Pettersson would return to his 100-point form in 2025-26, which did not materialize. The current prediction acknowledges that those days might be behind him, suggesting that his 102-point season will eventually be remembered as a singular standout performance. However, Pettersson is still an elite top-six forward capable of scoring 25 goals and accumulating 70-75 points, provided he has the right linemates and potentially a change in position. When he last performed at his best, he was playing winger on the "Lotto Line" with J.T. Miller and Brock Boeser. This won't happen immediately, but head coach Manny Malhotra is expected to eventually place Pettersson with Cootes and Lekkerimäki on a new-look top line, with Cootes centering the two Swedes.

Over time, this trio is expected to build chemistry, and Pettersson will resemble the player who impressed earlier in his career. He won't completely abandon his center duties, taking faceoffs when necessary, but he will primarily play winger with Cootes feeding him the puck. As a result, he is not expected to be traded, and the doubts that have surrounded him for three seasons will begin to dissipate.

Thatcher Demko Stays Healthy, Returns to Vezina Trophy Finalist Form

Thatcher Demko remaining healthy is considered a bold prediction in itself. He hasn't been a regular starting goaltender since 2023-24, and even then, he suffered an injury late in the season. The last time he played without missing time due to injury was in 2021-22, when he started a career-high 64 games.

For Demko's sake, it is hoped that at least half of this prediction comes true. Even if he doesn't return to Vezina Trophy finalist form, but finishes Game 84 without injury concerns, it would likely be considered a successful season.

Canucks Don't Finish 32nd in the Standings

As initially stated, most people anticipate the Canucks to be a basement-dwelling team again this season. While it's not predicted they will surprise everyone and contend for a playoff spot, they are not expected to be as poor as to finish 32nd, with a significant gap separating them from 31st place.

Firstly, the locker room drama that has plagued the team for two seasons is not expected to persist. Co-presidents Daniel and Henrik Sedin, general manager Ryan Johnson, and the coaching staff led by Malhotra are expected to address this. The youthful energy, combined with the addition of veteran players like Brendan Gallagher, Jamie Oleksiak, and Luke Schenn, who are known for their strong work ethic and consistent performance, will also contribute to improved results.

The Canucks are still expected to be within lottery contention, but it's believed that fans will be pleasantly surprised by the number of games where they won't be expressing frustration. Canucks Nation is expected to rediscover its passion for the team and be proud of their effort every night.

2026-27 Season Coming Up Fast

Although August is still ongoing, the Canucks' hockey season will return before we know it. The Prospects Showcase between the Canucks and the Seattle Kraken will take place on September 12-13 at Rogers Forum, followed by training camp starting September 17 in Penticton. Shortly after, the new truncated preseason begins on September 19, also against the Kraken, with opening night in Edmonton on September 29.

While the season might not be filled with numerous wins, hockey remains hockey, and the unpredictable nature of the game is its beauty. It all begins in just over a month.