The Vancouver Canucks find themselves in the thick of a season that’s been anything but smooth sailing. After snapping a franchise-worst 11-game losing streak with a 4-3 win over the Washington Capitals, the team failed to build on that momentum, dropping back-to-back games to the New Jersey Devils and Pittsburgh Penguins. That leaves them with just one win through five games of their current eight-game homestand - and still sitting in 32nd place in the league with 39 points.
As the Canucks look to close out the homestand on a high note before heading back on the road, there are several key storylines to watch - from injuries to trade rumors and the ongoing response to their coach’s challenge.
Boeser Takes a Hit - And It Could Be a Costly One
Just when it looked like Brock Boeser was finding his scoring touch again, the Canucks may be without him for a stretch. The winger had tallied three goals in his last six games before taking a late-game elbow to the head from Bryan Rust in Sunday’s loss to the Penguins. The hit came with just seconds left on the clock and earned Rust a two-minute minor for an illegal check to the head.
Head coach Adam Foote didn’t mince words, calling it a “vicious head shot.” Teammate Jake DeBrusk echoed that sentiment, labeling it a “pretty dirty play.” As of now, there’s no official update on Boeser’s status, but Foote mentioned that the league may take a closer look at the hit for potential supplementary discipline.
If Boeser is sidelined, it would be a tough blow for a team that’s already struggled to generate consistent offense - and for a player who’s been trying to reestablish himself as a reliable scoring threat.
Veterans Answer the Bell After Foote’s Criticism
Foote didn’t hold back after the Canucks’ 4-3 loss to the Islanders on Jan. 19, calling out his veterans for their body language and lack of compete when things started to go sideways. It was a bold move, but one that seemed to strike the right chord.
In the very next game against the Capitals, the veterans stepped up. Boeser, DeBrusk, and David Kampf each recorded two points, and Filip Hronek netted the eventual game-winner as the Canucks erased a 2-0 deficit to earn a 4-3 win - their first after 11 straight losses.
Boeser spoke candidly after the game about Foote’s comments: “It’s the truth,” he said. “We can’t have that bad body language and the negative attitude on the bench.
You can’t show that to the young guys. We’ve got to be good leaders and good role models and be positive.
I thought we were tonight, and I felt that that helped us play a better hockey game.”
The effort continued in Friday’s 5-4 loss to the Devils. Vancouver fell behind 3-0 early but clawed back to make it a one-goal game in the dying moments.
O’Connor had a golden chance to tie it but missed just high. The same story played out Sunday against Pittsburgh - this time it was Boeser, denied by Stuart Skinner in the final seconds.
The results haven’t all been there, but the compete level has. And for a team in the middle of a rebuild, that’s a crucial step forward.
Reinforcements Arrive: Blueger and Chytil Return
It’s been a long wait, but the Canucks finally got some key bodies back in the lineup. Teddy Blueger returned Wednesday for his first game since Oct. 19, and Filip Chytil followed on Friday, suiting up for the first time in three months after dealing with another concussion.
Blueger wasted no time making an impact, scoring his second goal of the season against the Devils and adding another against the Penguins. His energy and two-way play are exactly what this roster has been missing.
Chytil logged 18:29 in his return against New Jersey, registering two shots and going 61.5% in the faceoff circle - a strong showing for someone coming off a lengthy absence. He followed that up with nearly 17 minutes of ice time against Pittsburgh and looked comfortable throughout. For a player who’s battled multiple concussions, just getting back on the ice and contributing is a win in itself.
Kane Drawing Trade Interest as Deadline Approaches
With the trade deadline inching closer, the Canucks have already started making moves. They shipped Kiefer Sherwood to the Sharks earlier in the week in exchange for two second-round picks and defenseman Cole Clayton - a clear rebuild-minded move. And another deal could be on the horizon.
Evander Kane’s name has started to circulate in trade rumors, with the Dallas Stars and Colorado Avalanche reportedly leading the pack of interested teams. The Los Angeles Kings have also been linked to Kane, with former Oilers GM Ken Holland now pulling the strings in LA.
Kane has had an up-and-down season in Vancouver, but he’s trending upward lately with two goals in his last four games. More importantly, he’s a proven playoff performer - the kind of physical, experienced winger who can still tilt a series in the postseason. If the Canucks can flip him for a second-round pick, that would be a solid return considering they only gave up a fourth to acquire him from Edmonton.
Canucks’ Upcoming Schedule (Jan. 26 - Feb. 2)
Here’s what’s on tap as the Canucks wrap up their homestand and prepare to hit the road:
- Tues, Jan. 27 vs. San Jose Sharks (7:00 PM PT) A potential return to Vancouver for Sherwood, now wearing teal. Revenge game, anyone?
- Thurs, Jan. 29 vs. Anaheim Ducks (7:00 PM PT) A Pacific Division clash. Both teams are rebuilding, but these games still matter for pride and development.
- Sat, Jan. 31 vs. Toronto Maple Leafs (7:00 PM PT) Always a marquee matchup when Auston Matthews and the Leafs come to town. Expect a packed house and plenty of buzz.
- Mon, Feb. 2 @ Utah Mammoth (6:30 PM PT) The Canucks are still looking for their first win against the newly relocated Utah franchise. Could be a tough one on the road.
The Canucks are far from where they want to be in the standings, but there are signs of growth - both in how the veterans have responded and in the energy injected by returning players. With trade rumors swirling and the deadline looming, this next stretch could be pivotal in shaping the next phase of the rebuild.