Vancouver Canucks' season hinges on on-ice performance: Demko's health, center depth, and cohesion take center stage as the noise stays down. Boeser is settled; Hughes' extension is off the table until next summer, and the trade market remains thin with cap pressures looming from double retention. Kaprizov's contract chatter adds league-wide context while Vancouver must prove it can compete on the ice to quiet outside chatter.

With limited trade options and a tough cap landscape, Vancouver's success hinges on Demko's health, timely development from the middle, and steady scoring from their top forwards to deliver real improvement on the ice.

Elias Pettersson is healthy and believes the Canucks can elevate their ceiling this season, stressing a focused training camp and a strong start in Penticton ahead of a 2025-26 push. Vancouver aims to rebound from injuries and a playoff miss, using a stable core and a refreshed staff to set a sharper tone at season’s start.

The club kept its core in place, with Brock Boeser signing a seven-year, $50.75M extension, Thatcher Demko locking in for three years, and Conor Garland signing for six. Vancouver opted for internal continuity, elevating Adam Foote to head coach, signaling trust in the current group and a clearer, defense-anchored path forward.

Veteran voices like Tyler Myers emphasize turning last season’s lessons into a fresh start, while the club eyes improved offense after a disappointing showing. The season opener on Oct. 9 against Calgary will test a healthier roster as the Canucks pursue a return to the playoffs.

UND's Ralph Engelstad Arena hosted a revived pro camp, mixing nostalgia with development. Brock Boeser, Derek Forbort, Jacob Bernard-Docker, and Matt Kiersted trained alongside two-time Cup winner Matt Greene, while Nick Schmaltz and Drake Caggiula skated for the first time with former UND stars since the CBS Line days. Europe-bound players kept the reunion partial, with >20 alumni back and campus upgrades on display. The event underscores UND's enduring NHL pipeline and the program's renewed pull.

Rasmus Andersson will start the season with Calgary, a move the Flames hope stabilizes the back end while allowing younger players to grow. If Calgary remains competitive, they may resist midseason moves, prioritizing contention over price. Kadri’s presence strengthens the playoff bid, and Calgary reportedly considers keeping Andersson long enough to explore extensions or advantageous returns. The chatter also entertains a Vegas landing scenario, but the current plan centers on contending and revisiting assets as the season unfolds.