The Vancouver Canucks hit the ice Thursday morning with a bit of a twist to their usual routine. Fresh off their first win of the new year-a hard-fought 4-3 victory over the Washington Capitals-the team gathered at Rogers Arena for what was listed as a full-team practice. But in reality, it was more of a hybrid session, with a handful of veterans getting the morning off and the younger players taking center stage.
Managing the Workload
This wasn’t your typical optional skate. Six veterans-Kevin Lankinen, Filip Hronek, Tyler Myers, Marcus Pettersson, Jake DeBrusk, and Evander Kane-were given the day off, a move that speaks to the team’s awareness of the grind that comes with a condensed schedule. In their absence, the rest of the roster took part in a 40-minute session focused less on structure and more on pace and tempo.
Without the full lineup, the Canucks skipped the usual line rushes and instead leaned into high-tempo drills designed to keep legs moving and touches frequent. Assistant coach Adam Foote explained that this kind of practice is particularly useful for younger players-especially those who either didn’t dress or saw limited ice time in Wednesday night’s game. It’s a chance to keep their hands sharp, their feet moving, and their confidence intact.
Blueger Back, Chytil Close
Teddy Blueger, who just returned to the lineup after missing 43 games, didn’t take a recovery day. Instead, he was right back on the ice, continuing to build rhythm after a long layoff.
And he wasn’t alone. Filip Chytil, who’s inching closer to his first game action in three months, was also a full participant.
Both players are trending in the right direction, and their returns could give Vancouver a significant boost down the middle.
Blueger spoke after practice about shaking off the rust in his return against Washington. “It was great,” he said.
“Obviously, I was energized to get back. It had been a while.
I should have been well-rested, but once you get the first couple of shifts out of the way, then you let the instincts take over.” He admitted he was more concerned about timing and game flow than the injury itself, but came away feeling better than expected.
“The timing, the details, positioning, puck battles - overall I think it went pretty well.”
Pettersson Locked In
While the team ran in-zone drills, Elias Pettersson carved out his own space at the other end of the rink, working on one-timers with an assistant coach feeding him pucks. It’s a small moment, but one that says a lot. Pettersson’s shot is already a weapon, and his commitment to refining it-even on a lighter practice day-underscores his role as a leader and difference-maker on this roster.
Foote’s Flexible Approach
Adam Foote shed light on the team’s evolving approach to practice, especially with the schedule tightening up. “With a condensed schedule, we might see more of that,” Foote said.
“You can split it up with young guys and it’s not very taxing. I like that.”
He hinted at more creative practice formats moving forward-shorter segments, smaller groups, and more individualized focus. It’s a modern approach that prioritizes both development and recovery.
Foote also addressed where Aatu Räty fits into the mix, especially with Blueger and Chytil returning. “He’s such a good pro.
He might be playing some wing. He might be going back to centre.
Who knows?” Foote said.
“He’ll be ready. He’s a good pro, and he’s come a long way.”
The coaching staff clearly values Räty’s versatility and mindset, and while his role may fluctuate, his readiness won’t.
A Moment to Celebrate
After practice, the organization turned its attention to a well-deserved celebration, hosting a private ring ceremony for the players and staff of the Abbotsford Canucks, who captured the Calder Cup. It was a chance to recognize the success of the AHL affiliate and the pipeline of talent that continues to support the NHL club.
All in all, Thursday’s session wasn’t about grinding through systems or pushing bodies to the limit. It was about smart workload management, development, and staying sharp. With a long season ahead and the trade deadline looming, the Canucks are keeping their eyes on the big picture-and doing so with a mix of veteran savvy and youthful energy.