The Olympic break is in full swing, and while NHL action is on pause, the spotlight has shifted to Italy, where the men’s hockey tournament is heating up. For the Vancouver Canucks, it’s not exactly a vacation - seven of their players are representing their countries on the sport’s biggest international stage. And with the knockout rounds now underway, the pressure is cranking up.
Let’s break down what’s happening with the Canucks' Olympic contingent as we head into a pivotal week of tournament play.
Elias Pettersson Delivers When Sweden Needed It Most
Elias Pettersson has heard the noise - even from thousands of miles away. The chatter back home in Vancouver hasn’t been kind.
Critics have questioned his impact in Italy, with some even drawing uncomfortable comparisons to struggling stars like Jonathan Huberdeau. That’s a tough pill to swallow for a player carrying an $11.6 million price tag and the expectations that come with it.
But on Saturday, Pettersson answered - loudly.
Sweden needed a spark against Slovakia, and Pettersson delivered with two goals, including the game-winner in a 5-3 victory. It wasn’t just the production, it was the presence.
He looked like the 102-point player who earned that massive extension, not the one who had been drifting on the periphery of the Olympic stage. The goals were timely, but more importantly, they came with a sense of urgency and swagger that’s been missing lately.
This could be a turning point - not just for Pettersson’s Olympic run, but for his return to Vancouver. If this version of Pettersson sticks around, both Sweden and the Canucks are in for a boost.
How the Other Canucks Are Performing in Italy
Pettersson isn’t the only Canuck chasing gold. Here's how the rest of Vancouver’s Olympic representatives have fared so far:
- Filip Hronek (Czechia): Three assists and steady play on the back end - exactly what the Czechs needed from him.
- David Kampf (Czechia): Two assists, doing the little things that don’t always show up on the scoresheet.
- Kevin Lankinen (Finland): Yet to start a game, but Finland’s already into the quarterfinals, so his time may still come.
- Teddy Blueger (Latvia): No points yet, but remains a key piece of Latvia’s penalty kill and defensive structure.
- Anri Ravinskis (Latvia): Still looking for his first point, but gaining valuable experience on the international stage.
- Lukas Reichel (Germany): One goal so far, showing flashes of the offensive upside that’s made him a player to watch.
Lankinen is the only Canuck who’s already punched a ticket to the quarterfinals. The rest will have to battle through the qualification round on Tuesday for a shot at joining him.
Tom Willander: Putting in the Work While Everyone Else Rests
While much of the NHL takes a breather during the Olympic break, rookie defenseman Tom Willander is heading in the opposite direction - literally and figuratively.
Instead of soaking up some sun or taking a few days off, Willander flew back to Sweden. But this isn’t a vacation. He’s using the time to train with his strength and mobility coach, focusing on refining his game and preparing for the stretch run.
That kind of decision says a lot about who Willander is. At just 21, he’s already showing the traits of a future leader - self-aware, driven, and unwilling to coast. He’s been a consistent presence on the Canucks’ blue line all season, and while fans might not see him as someone who needs to improve, Willander clearly sees areas where he can get better.
As Rick Dhaliwal put it: “Willander does not take anything for granted.” That mindset is exactly what you want in a foundational piece of your franchise.
Remembering a Legend: Jim Robson Passes Away at 91
Away from the ice, the Canucks community was hit with a wave of sadness last week as legendary broadcaster Jim Robson passed away at the age of 91.
From 1970 to 1999, Robson wasn’t just the voice of the Canucks - he was the soundtrack of hockey in Vancouver. His calls are etched into the memories of fans: Trevor Linden “playing on crutches,” Pavel Bure’s electrifying overtime winner, Greg Adams sending Vancouver to the Stanley Cup Final. These weren’t just moments - they were Robson moments.
Current Canucks play-by-play man John Shorthouse reflected on Robson’s legacy, describing him as a mentor and an icon whose influence still echoes through the broadcast booth at Rogers Arena - which fittingly bears his name.
Robson’s voice may be gone, but his impact is everlasting. A spot in the Canucks’ Ring of Honour feels like the next logical step for a man who helped shape the identity of the franchise.
Olympic Schedule: What’s Next for the Canucks Abroad?
Here’s a look at the upcoming Olympic matchups featuring Canucks players (all times Pacific):
Tuesday, Feb. 17 - Qualification Round
- Germany vs. France (3:10 a.m.): Lukas Reichel
- Czechia vs. Denmark (7:40 a.m.): Filip Hronek & David Kampf
- Sweden vs. Latvia (12:10 p.m.): Elias Pettersson, Teddy Blueger & Anri Ravinskis
Wednesday, Feb. 18 - Quarterfinals
- Finland (9:10 a.m.): Kevin Lankinen likely backing up
Friday, Feb. 20 - Semifinals
- Matchups TBD
**Saturday, Feb. 21 - Bronze Medal Game (11:40 a.m.)
**
- TBD
**Sunday, Feb. 22 - Gold Medal Game (5:10 a.m.)
**
- TBD
As the Olympic tournament barrels toward its conclusion, the stakes are only getting higher. For the Canucks’ players overseas, it’s a chance to chase glory.
For those back home, like Willander, it’s a time to reset and refocus. Either way, Vancouver fans have plenty to keep their eyes on - and plenty to look forward to once NHL action resumes.