The Vancouver Canucks could use a breather-and the Olympic break might be arriving just in time.
After dropping 17 of their last 19 games, this team isn’t just struggling in the standings; they’re showing the wear and tear of a group searching for answers. Elias Pettersson looks visibly frustrated.
Assistant coach Adam Foote sounds like a man running out of solutions. And Teddy Blueger?
He’s stepping up with the kind of accountability you usually hear from someone wearing the “C.”
But while the rest of the league takes a moment to regroup, several Canucks are headed to Italy, not for rest, but for one of the biggest international stages in hockey. And with the Olympics comes a fresh slate-and plenty of questions for Vancouver’s players and the organization as a whole.
Let’s dive into the biggest storylines surrounding the Canucks heading into the Games.
1. Can Elias Pettersson turn things around?
It’s been a tough stretch for Pettersson-no way around it. Since January 2024, he hasn’t looked like the dynamic forward who once carried the Canucks’ offense.
His struggles have extended to the international stage as well. At last year’s 4 Nations tournament, Pettersson went pointless and saw his ice time drop to the lowest among all Swedish forwards in their final game.
Now, he heads to the Olympics with something to prove. Among Swedish forwards in the NHL this season, he ranks 11th in points. That number would drop to 12th if Leo Carlsson hadn’t been ruled out due to injury.
Pettersson’s talent isn’t in question-he’s still capable of highlight-reel plays and elite-level vision. But his confidence and consistency have taken a hit. The Olympic stage might offer him the reset he needs, or at the very least, a chance to rediscover his game against top-tier competition.
2. Can he find chemistry with Kempe-or anyone?
Pettersson’s individual struggles are one thing, but his inability to click with linemates has been another issue entirely. That’s why his potential reunion with Adrian Kempe is worth watching.
The two were paired early at the 4 Nations, and Kempe was quick to praise Pettersson’s skill and subtle playmaking ability. “You’re out there against him, you see all the small plays he makes,” Kempe said at the time. “Now being on a line with him for the last two practices, you can definitely feel that.”
If they’re reunited in Italy, it could be a spark Pettersson desperately needs. And while he holds a full no-move clause, there’s been quiet chatter that a city like Los Angeles-where his wife has deep ties-could be a landing spot if he ever decides to waive it. The Kings, known for making bold moves, might be looking to fill a Kopitar-sized hole after this season.
It’s all hypothetical for now, but it’s a storyline worth keeping an eye on.
3. Will Filip Hronek be a minute-munching machine for Czechia?
Filip Hronek already logs heavy minutes for the Canucks, and that workload isn’t likely to lighten during the Olympics.
Czechia’s blue line doesn’t have much NHL depth-just Hronek and 35-year-old Radko Gudas are regulars in the league. That puts Hronek in position to be the workhorse. Don’t be surprised if he leads the entire tournament in time on ice per game.
He’s steady, smart, and already used to carrying a big load in Vancouver. Now, he’ll be asked to do the same on the international stage, possibly in even more high-leverage situations.
4. Will Kevin Lankinen see the ice?
Remember when Kevin Lankinen was one of the bright spots for the Canucks early in the 2024-25 season? That feels like a distant memory.
His numbers have taken a hit-7-19-4 on the year with a .876 save percentage-and while he’s not solely to blame, he’s clearly slipped down the goaltending depth chart.
At last year’s 4 Nations, Lankinen split time with Juuse Saros and even picked up Finland’s only win of the tournament, beating Sweden. But this time around, he may be the odd man out behind Saros and Joonas Korpisalo.
Statistically, Lankinen’s goals saved above average per 60 minutes trails both of his Finnish counterparts. If he gets a start, it’ll likely be situational. Otherwise, he may be watching from the bench.
5. Can Teddy Blueger boost his trade value?
If there’s been a silver lining during this rough stretch for Vancouver, it’s been Teddy Blueger.
Since returning to the lineup on January 21, the Latvian center has led the team in both goals (4) and points (7). He’s playing with energy, purpose, and responsibility-traits that playoff-bound teams covet in a depth forward.
And with the trade deadline approaching, Blueger’s stock is rising. Reports suggest the Canucks are seeking at least a third-round pick in return. A strong Olympic showing could push that price even higher.
An even more intriguing subplot? Blueger might outproduce Pettersson at the Olympics. That’s not something anyone would’ve predicted a month ago.
6. What’s David Kämpf’s value on the market?
David Kämpf made a bold move to join the Canucks, giving up millions by terminating his deal with Toronto. A big part of that decision? The chance to represent Czechia at the Olympics.
Kämpf’s game isn’t flashy-he’s a reliable, two-way center who plays a responsible brand of hockey. But he’s one of only seven NHL forwards on Czechia’s roster, and that experience could make him a valuable asset.
He’s unlikely to command the same return as Blueger, but if a solid Olympic performance nets the Canucks even a late-round pick, that’s a win for a team looking to retool on the fly.
7. Can Blueger and Latvia pull off an upset?
Latvia’s Olympic group is no walk in the park-USA, Germany, and Denmark round out Group C-but don’t count them out just yet.
Germany has Leon Draisaitl, sure, but Latvia has a few things going for it. Chief among them? Goaltender Artūrs Šilovs, who has a knack for delivering in big moments on the international stage.
Blueger, meanwhile, is playing some of his best hockey of the season. If he can carry that form into the Olympics and Šilovs stands tall between the pipes, Latvia has a real shot at finishing second in the group-and maybe even pulling off an upset or two along the way.
Bottom line:
The Canucks might be limping into the Olympic break, but for a handful of their players, this tournament is more than just a detour-it’s a chance to reset, reassert, and in some cases, raise their value. Whether it’s Pettersson trying to find his game, Hronek logging monster minutes, or Blueger making a case for a trade, there’s plenty for Canucks fans to keep an eye on in Italy.