Drew O’Connor may not be the flashiest name on the Vancouver Canucks roster, but this season, he’s been one of the most reliable-and increasingly impactful-players on the ice.
The 27-year-old forward is tied for second on the team in goals with 12, and he’s just five shy of setting a new personal best. That kind of production alone is impressive, but it’s the consistency behind it that’s catching the attention of coaches and fans alike. O’Connor is one of just four Canucks to have played in all 51 games this season, a testament to both his durability and his value in a lineup that’s been anything but stable.
After a slower start to the year, O’Connor has found another gear. He’s currently riding a three-game point streak and has earned a spot in the Canucks' top six.
That’s no small feat on a team still trying to find its identity amid injuries and trade rumors. But O’Connor isn’t overcomplicating things-he’s sticking to what works.
“Just trying to create chances for myself,” he said. “Get opportunities to shoot the puck and put myself in those positions… when you keep getting those chances, it’ll go in.”
That mentality-focused on process over panic-has served him well. O’Connor credits his recent success to playing the right way: tracking hard, forcing turnovers, and letting the offense flow from there. It’s a blue-collar approach that fits the mold of what this Canucks team is trying to build.
And speaking of building, Vancouver has been forced to get creative with its lineup all season long. Injuries have shuffled the deck constantly, and O’Connor has seen time on at least 17 different line combinations. That kind of movement can throw off even veteran players, but O’Connor has taken it in stride.
“I wouldn’t say it’s difficult,” he noted. “It’s just been a unique circumstance… Generally, it’s nice when you can play with the same guys for a long stretch and develop chemistry, but circumstances are different throughout the season.”
The return of Teddy Blueger and Filip Chytil-both of whom missed three months after being injured on October 19-has brought a much-needed boost to the Canucks' forward group. For a team that’s been grinding through injuries, getting two key pieces back in the mix is more than just a tactical upgrade-it’s a morale lift.
“Just good for them that they can finally get back in the lineup,” O’Connor said. “I know they’re super pumped to be back.”
But even with reinforcements returning, the Canucks remain in a transitional phase. The rebuild is ongoing, and the trade winds are swirling.
Nearly every day, there’s a new rumor linking Vancouver players to other teams. For guys in the locker room, that’s just part of the job-even if it never gets easier.
“It’s the inevitability of losing,” O’Connor admitted. “You lose friends and teammates that you get close to… but for us, it’s about coming in and being pros and handling our business as best we can.”
That mindset-focused, professional, and team-first-is part of what’s made O’Connor such a valuable presence this season. He brings speed, versatility, and a two-way game that helps the Canucks at even strength and on the penalty kill. And if he keeps producing the way he has been, there’s a good chance his role will only grow down the stretch.
O’Connor may not be the centerpiece of the Canucks’ rebuild, but he’s becoming one of its most important pieces-one shift, one goal, and one hard-earned opportunity at a time.