If you're a Vancouver Canucks fan, it's been a tough ride this season. The team finds itself at the bottom of the NHL standings with 48 points, heading toward one of the roughest finishes in franchise history.
But as the losses stack up, there's a glimmer of hope on the horizon: the NHL Draft Lottery in May. A top-three pick, or even the first overall, could be in the cards.
Yet, there's another positive development worth noting: the emerging chemistry between two line combinations that could be pivotal in the 2026-27 season.
Liam Ohgren - Marco Rossi - Brock Boeser
Since returning from injury post-Olympic break, the trio of Liam Ohgren, Marco Rossi, and Brock Boeser has been making waves. While their advanced stats might not dazzle (with a 36.71 Corsi for percentage and being outchanced 25-16), the eye test tells a different story. They're the ones sparking the offense, and Boeser seems to have found a kindred spirit in Rossi, who’s setting him up for goals and high-danger opportunities.
The numbers back it up: since being united on March 4, Boeser has notched four goals and five points, while Rossi has added two goals and six points. Rossi is starting to look like the centerpiece the Canucks hoped for in the Quinn Hughes trade, and Boeser is rediscovering his scoring touch after a lengthy drought.
Ohgren is another bright spot in this challenging season. His speed, size, and shot are on full display, meshing well with Rossi and Boeser.
He’s often the first on the forecheck, creating space for his linemates to capitalize on scoring chances. Opponents can’t just focus on Boeser and Rossi, as Ohgren poses a threat himself.
This line's dynamic play has sparked excitement among fans, reminiscent of the creativity seen in the days of the Sedins and Alex Burrows.
Max Sasson - Teddy Blueger - Linus Karlsson
The "BRO Line" isn't the only group turning heads. Max Sasson, Teddy Blueger, and Linus Karlsson have emerged as a formidable two-way line, bringing speed, grit, and defensive prowess. Their underlying stats are impressive, boasting a 58.82 Corsi for percentage and outchancing opponents 11-4 in high-danger areas since the Olympic break.
Sasson and Karlsson share chemistry from their time in Abbotsford, while Blueger’s veteran presence ties the line together. They’d be a perfect fourth line on a contender, but here they serve as a strong 2B line, with Sasson and Karlsson ranking fifth and sixth in team scoring.
Even if Blueger isn’t re-signed, the future looks bright for Sasson and Karlsson. The Canucks could either bring in another veteran center or slot Aatu Raty into the mix.
Raty is developing into a player similar to Blueger, and in a rebuilding phase, he might be the right fit. Regardless, Sasson should remain on the wing, where he’s more dangerous.
As the Canucks aim to return to playoff contention, they'll need an energy line that can drive play. This trio has the potential to fill that role as soon as next season.
A Glimmer of Hope for Canucks Fans
While the Canucks are likely to continue struggling this season, the budding chemistry between Boeser, Rossi, Ohgren, and the Sasson, Blueger, Karlsson trio offers a silver lining. In a season with few positives, their recent performances provide a beacon of hope beyond just the draft lottery. And for Canucks fans, every bit of hope is welcome after such a challenging year.