Daniel Wagner
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Canucks writer with @passittobulis and occasional musician. Some likes and RTs are endorsements, some are not; I like to keep you guessing. He/him.
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Articles by Daniel Wagner
Wild GM sounds hopeless about re-signing ex-Canucks captain Hughes
Minnesota Wild general manager Bill Guerin is in a bit of a pickle right now. The Wild are currently first in the Central Division and are tied in points with the Edmonton Oilers for first in the Western Conference. One of the big reasons for that success, however, is former Vancouver Canucks captain Quinn Hughes, who is second in scoring among NHL defencemen with 18 points in 14 games. And Hughes doesn’t have a contract for next season. Of course, that’s not new information.
NHL insider reveals why DeBrusk won't ask for trade from Canucks
Jake DeBrusk is right near the top of trade boards around the NHL. The 30-year-old winger is number six on Chris Johnston’s trade board at The Athletic and also features high on Nick Kypreos’s board at Sportsnet, which isn’t too surprising. He’s the second-oldest forward on a rebuilding team; of course he’s a candidate to get traded. But let’s be crystal clear: Jake DeBrusk has not asked for a trade from the Vancouver Canucks.
4 bright spots for the Vancouver Canucks this season
The Vancouver Canucks managed to avoid matching their franchise record for the longest losing streak. That record sits at 11 games, set by the 2025-26 Canucks last January. On Tuesday, the Canucks halted their losing streak at 10 games with a remarkable third-period comeback against the Anaheim Ducks. It was a thrilling game and a much-needed morale boost for the Canucks.
Canucks rumoured to have interest in young Russian winger
The rebuilding Vancouver Canucks need more young talent. So it’s understandable that a 22-year-old former first-round pick hitting the trade block might catch their interest. In his Saturday Headlines feature a few days ago on Sportsnet, Elliotte Friedman reported that the Washington Capitals are looking to trade Ivan Miroshnichenko. “He’s played three games this year, scored against Montreal, but he just can’t get in the lineup,” said Friedman.
Michael Bublé texted encouragement to Boeser before Canucks ended losing streak
Michael Bublé isn’t the only celebrity who is a fan of the Vancouver Canucks, but he’s certainly the most outspoken. He’s also around the team more than most, and has struck up friendships with several of the players, notably Brock Boeser. After the Canucks’ loss to the Detroit Red Wings last week, Boeser was clearly upset and vented his frustrations after the game. “It’s the same stuff game after game,” said Boeser.
Lekkerimäki is on an impressive point pace for Canucks right now
Heading into this season, Jonathan Lekkerimäki had done little to prove he belonged in the NHL. In 37 games across two previous seasons with the Vancouver Canucks, Lekkerimäki had just five goals and nine points — decent for a two-way role player at the bottom of the lineup, but not what was needed from a sub-six-foot finesse winger without separating speed. It wasn’t entirely his fault. Lekkerimäki’s post-draft development was derailed and delayed by injuries.
This was the average attendance at BC Lions games this season
Oct 28 2026, 5:26 pm It’s been a good year for the BC Lions, both on and off the field. Finishing the regular season with a 10-8 record, the Lions will be hosting a CFL playoff game at BC Place on Saturday, and they’re hoping for a big crowd to see them take on the Saskatchewan Roughriders. “This is why it’s so big to host a home playoff game, especially in the West, to play in front of your home fans,” said Lions quarterback Nathan Rourke.
I Watched This Game: Canucks end epic losing streak with miracle comeback in Anaheim
Oct 28 2026, 9:46 am Gary A. Vasquez/Imagn Images Tuesday night’s game between the Vancouver Canucks and Anaheim Ducks is why you should never leave a hockey game early. Sure, 999 times out of 1000 it’s safe to head to the parking lot when it’s 5-2 with about seven minutes remaining in the third period. You’ll beat traffic and feel like you made the smart, logical choice. Let’s be honest: being a sports fan is not about being smart or logical.
Everything is wrong with the Canucks' penalty kill right now
The Vancouver Canucks’ penalty kill has a problem. Or, rather, it has several problems. Through 13 games, the Canucks have the second-worst penalty kill in the league, killing off just 64.4 per cent of the power plays they’ve faced — just a fraction ahead of the 63.3 per cent Los Angeles Kings.
This underrated Canucks prospect is tearing up the NCAA
Mired in a ten-game losing streak, the Vancouver Canucks aren’t providing many reasons for positivity right now. At least, not in the NHL. But Canucks prospects are making waves outside of the NHL, whether it’s Adam Novotný lighting up the OHL, Braeden Cootes making an impact for the Abbotsford Canucks in the AHL, or Caleb Malhotra earning rave reviews despite some bad puck luck limiting his points in the NCAA. One Canucks prospect that deserves more attention, however, is Anthony Romani.
The Canucks are on pace for an ugly NHL record
The NHL first began recording shots on goal on a team basis in the 1959-60 season, back in the Original Six era. In the past 66 years, no NHL team has averaged fewer than 20 shots per game over a full season. In fact, the record is a woeful 23.1 shots per game, set by the hapless 1974-75 Washington Capitals, the consensus worst team in NHL history. The Vancouver Canucks are currently averaging 19.8 shots per game.
I Watched This Game: Canucks hit Hughes with boos and bodies, but lose tenth straight
For twenty minutes, the Vancouver Canucks actually looked like they were better than the Minnesota Wild — or at least as good as them. The first period on Sunday night was arguably the best period of the season for the Canucks, as they outshot the Wild 10-to-5, imposed their physicality with some big hits, and controlled puck possession in the offensive zone for long stretches. “We just had the right mindset,” said Brock Boeser.
Linden reveals fundamental issue with Canucks' Benning-era 'rebuild'
The Vancouver Canucks are bad right now — really bad — but within that there are reasons for optimism. This is a Canucks team at the ground level of a rebuild, intent on building the foundations for future success. Their management team, headed up by Ryan Johnson and the Sedin twins, has been very clear about needing to be patient and avoid rushing things. “To do this as fast as possible, we need to be careful and go slow,” said Henrik Sedin.
Adam Novotný is making a case to be the Canucks' top prospect
Caleb Malhotra thought that Adam Novotný was one of the biggest steals at the 2026 NHL Entry Draft. Now, Novotný might be passing him in the Canucks’ prospect rankings. That’s no indictment of Malhotra. Even though the Canucks’ third-overall pick has just one point in five games with Boston University to start the season — an empty-net goal, at that — he’s still playing big minutes in a tough league and looking like he will break out soon.
Vancouver Canucks have a new official ice cream
Oct 23 2026, 6:56 pm "Pacific Puck" has arrived. (Western Family) The Vancouver Canucks have a new official ice cream, as they officially released Pacific Puck this week. But is it any good? Conceptually, Pacific Puck is inspired. The flavour is distinctly local to British Columbia, inspired by Nanaimo Bars, a no-bake dessert named after the Vancouver Island city.
I Watched This Game: Boeser tees off on teammates after Canucks fall to last place
There wasn’t much to cheer about for fans of the Vancouver Canucks on Thursday night against the Detroit Red Wings, so they cheered for shots on goal. The Canucks gave them vanishingly few opportunities to even do that. After their eighth-straight loss on Tuesday, the Canucks sounded demoralized, so one might hope they would be motivated to come out strong against the Red Wings to end that losing streak.
Radio-host Canucks fan gets full-circle moment that Botchford predicted
Tanbir Rana went viral 11 years ago when he confronted Trevor Linden with an impassioned plea from Vancouver Canucks fans. On Thursday night, the two will be reunited on the airwaves. 🚨🚨 SPECIAL GUEST ANNOUNCEMENT 🚨🚨 Trevor Linden joins us on Off The Rush on Pulse FM to give his thoughts on the past, present & future of this organization as well as much more! Stay tuned for Thursday's show.
Canucks shake up lines and might have revealed a new first-line centre
The Vancouver Canucks took to the ice at practice on Wednesday with some new line combinations. Since the Canucks are currently on an eight-game losing streak, it’s understandable that head coach Manny Malhotra would be looking to shake things up. At first glance, it looks like Jake DeBrusk is getting demoted from the top line in favour of Drew O’Connor, similar to how Jonathan Lekkerimäki got bumped down the lineup for Linus Karlsson. But maybe that’s not what’s happening.
Vancouver Goldeneyes unveil unique new jerseys and they're gorgeous
Oct 21 2026, 9:09 pm The Vancouver Goldeneyes were the first team in the PWHL to play on a rink that featured their logo at centre ice all year round. Their jerseys, however, did not feature their logo. Instead, they played their inaugural season in jerseys with a diagonal “Vancouver” wordmark, which has become a tradition for the fledgling hockey league. When the Goldeneyes take the ice this season, however, they’ll finally have a logo on their jersey, which they officially revealed on Wednesday.
That time the Canucks' John Garrett tried to fight Mario Lemieux
The Vancouver Canucks paid tribute to the late John Garrett on Tuesday night in a variety of ways. There were videos on the scoreboard, tributes on the broadcast, and even a selection of Garrett’s favourite foods in the press box. The Canucks also made it rain hot dogs triggered by a round of John Garrett trivia, with Canucks superfan Marcia McNaughton successfully answering all three questions.
I Watched This Game: Leevi Meriläinen is the Canucks' best penalty killer
Oct 21 2026, 7:02 am The Vancouver Canucks’ penalty kill has been utterly atrocious to start the season. On Tuesday night against the Carolina Hurricanes, the penalty kill was the lone bright spot. The kill went five-for-five to stymie a Carolina power play that was ranked seventh in the NHL at 25.6 per cent heading into the game. Goaltender Leevi Meriläinen deserves the bulk of the credit; just ask Luke Schenn. “I mean, we got a bunch of great saves on the PK, first of all,” said Schenn.
Ex-Canucks forward Garland crashing and burning in Columbus
Oct 20 2026, 6:15 pm After the Vancouver Canucks traded Conor Garland to the Columbus Blue Jackets, he erupted for four goals in his next three games. He’s scored just one goal for the Blue Jackets in the 25 games since that four-goal outburst, and is now on a 15-game pointless streak. Heading into Tuesday’s game against the Toronto Maple Leafs, Garland has no points in seven games this season.
Canucks' Daniel Sedin reveals one of his biggest regrets
Oct 20 2026, 1:00 pm Anne-Marie Sorvin/Imagn Images Daniel Sedin accomplished a lot in his hockey career. He won an Art Ross Trophy, the Ted Lindsay Award, an Olympic gold medal, and was a first-ballot Hall of Famer. But there’s one thing he really wishes he had done much earlier. Daniel appeared on Gino Reda’s Overtime Hockey podcast this past week. When asked if he could go back in time and give his younger self a piece of advice, Daniel didn’t hesitate.
Vancouver Canucks to honour John Garrett during their next game
Oct 19 2026, 11:19 pm When the Vancouver Canucks face the Carolina Hurricanes on Tuesday, it will essentially be John Garrett Night at Rogers Arena. During his playing career, Garrett spent three seasons with the Hartford Whalers and three seasons with the Canucks. The Whalers went on to become the Hurricanes, while Garrett went on to become the Canucks’ colour commentator for more than two decades, so it’s fitting that he would be honoured in a game between the Canucks and Hurricanes.
What D-Petey's partners say about the young Canucks defenceman
Elias Pettersson is making a name for himself. The Vancouver Canucks defenceman may share a name with one of the Canucks’ biggest stars, but he’s imposing his own identity on the ice early in the 2026-27 season. Call him “Junior,” “D-Petey,” or even “Ser Duncan the Tall” — either way, opposing players have no choice but to learn his name, typically by looking at the back of his jersey after he’s crushed them into the boards.
I Watched This Game: Canucks' Pettersson continues point-per-game pace
For the second game in a row, the Vancouver Canucks took a 2-0 lead; for the second game in a row, they couldn’t hold it. To paraphrase Lord Tennyson, ’tis better to have taken a lead and lost than never to have taken a lead at all. In these early stages of the rebuild, it’s important for fans to look for the positives where they can find them. On Saturday afternoon against the Tampa Bay Lightning, there were positives if you knew where to look.
I Watched This Game: Meriläinen is winning the Canucks' goaltending battle
There’s one question that Vancouver Canucks fans have to be asking after the last couple of games: how could the Ottawa Senators let Leevi Meriläinen go? Meriläinen has been marvelous for the Canucks in the last two games, including Thursday’s game against the Florida Panthers. He may have lost both starts, but he’s winning the battle with Kevin Lankinen to be the Canucks’ starting goaltender.
4 players the Canucks gave up on now thriving with other teams
The Vancouver Canucks didn’t have to risk losing Aatu Räty for nothing. With Filip Chytil returning from injury, the Canucks could have made room on the roster by sending Victor Mancini, who is still exempt from waivers, to the Abbotsford Canucks in the AHL. Putting Räty on waivers instead sent a pretty clear message: Räty was not a key component of their rebuilding plans. It wasn’t the least bit surprising to see the Canucks trade Räty after he cleared waivers.
What's next for Räty and Canucks after every NHL team takes a pass
The Vancouver Canucks knew that there was a good chance Aatu Räty could get claimed when they placed him on waivers on Wednesday. In a way, they were counting on it, as Canucks general manager Ryan Johnson felt that Räty deserved a chance to play somewhere else. Johnson confirmed to Postmedia’s Patrick Johnston that they tried to trade Räty first, but couldn’t find the right deal. “Had to make a hard decision,” said Johnson.
Canucks show off new-look lines with Chytil back from injury
Filip Chytil didn’t even make it through one period in the preseason before he got injured. Obviously, both he and the Vancouver Canucks are hoping he’ll stick around a lot longer in his return from injury, as he’s set to get back in the Canucks’ lineup as they face the Florida Panthers on Thursday. “I can’t wait to play a game,” said Chytil after the team’s morning skate.
Canucks' Paul Cotter has the weirdest possible favourite dessert
Oct 15 2026, 1:00 pm Apparently, Oct. 14 is National Dessert Day. Because, sure, desserts can have their own day. The Vancouver Canucks got in on the Dessert Day celebrations on social media with a simple question for the players: What’s your favourite dessert? And then Paul Cotter answered and ruined everyone’s day. Happy National Dessert Day! 🍦 We put the boys on the spot with one question: what’s the go-to sweet treat?
4 Canucks players who have been better than expected so far
After a decently strong start to the season, the Vancouver Canucks have lost five straight games and have sunk to the basement of the Western Conference standings with the Chicago Blackhawks, Los Angeles Kings, and Calgary Flames. None of that is particularly surprising. But some of the individual performances this season have been. Here are four players who have exceeded expectations early in the 2026-27 season. 1.
Vancouver Canucks waive 23-year-old faceoff ace Aatu Räty
Oct 14 2026, 6:18 pm The writing was on the wall for Aatu Räty when the Vancouver Canucks chose to play the likes of Paul Cotter, Drew O’Connor, and Max Sasson at centre ahead of him. After playing in just four of the Canucks’ eight games this season, Räty has been placed on waivers.
I Watched This Game: Meriläinen stands on head as Canucks extend losing streak
Oct 14 2026, 4:57 am Wendell Cruz/Imagn Images In this week’s edition of Overreacting to Small Sample Sizes, is Leevi Meriläinen the next great Vancouver Canucks goaltender? Canucks fans have only had Meriläinen for five games, but they’ve quickly grown as attached to him as Rosa Diaz to Arlo. It’s understandable: he’s legitimately been very good, especially in comparison to Kevin Lankinen, who has repeatedly been lit up by opposing forwards early in the season.
The Canucks' Finnish goalie leads the NHL in save percentage*
The Vancouver Canucks have given up the most goals in the NHL, and it’s not particularly close. Through seven games, the Canucks have given up a whopping 35 goals, an average of five goals against per game. The next-worst team, Rick Tocchet’s Philadelphia Flyers, have given up 28 goals. And yet, one of the Canucks’ goaltenders leads the NHL in save percentage — with a slight asterisk: he only leads the NHL in save percentage at even strength.
Vancouver Canucks give their defence pairs a big shakeup
If Vancouver Canucks fans had a nickel for every former Canucks captain who became captain of the New York Islanders, they’d have 10 cents. Which isn’t a lot, but it’s strange that it has happened twice. Bo Horvat was named captain of the Islanders ahead of this season, following in the footsteps of Trevor Linden, who served as captain of the Islanders for one full season after he was traded to Long Island.
I Watched This Game: Canucks' Pettersson excels despite big loss to Rangers
Oct 12 2026, 4:58 am Wendell Cruz/Imagn Images There are many reasons why the Vancouver Canucks lost 6-2 to the New York Rangers on Sunday. Kevin Lankinen allowed six or more goals for the third time in five starts. The Canucks gave up yet another power play goal. Trailing heading into the final 20 minutes, the team managed just four shots on goal in the third period. There’s one player you can’t blame, however: Elias “D-Petey” Pettersson.
Vancouver Canucks lines vs. New York Rangers (Oct. 11, 2026)
Oct 11 2026, 6:20 pm Anne-Marie Sorvin/USA TODAY Sports Does it still matter that Elias Pettersson and the Vancouver Canucks are facing J.T. Miller and the New York Rangers? It’s been nearly two years since the Canucks traded Miller to the Rangers in the midst of their disastrous 2024-25 season. The trade came after months of rumours of a rift between Pettersson and Miller and other drama. But does any of that matter anymore?
I Watched This Game: The Canucks' penalty kill is a disaster
Oct 11 2026, 1:49 am Thomas Salus/Imagn Images The Vancouver Canucks already had the worst penalty kill in the NHL heading into Saturday’s game against the New Jersey Devils, running at an ugly 57.9 per cent. It did not improve. Through the first two periods of Saturday’s game, the Devils had three power plays. They scored on all three.
Vancouver Canucks lines vs. New Jersey Devils (Oct. 9, 2026)
Elias Pettersson is on a roll. The Vancouver Canucks’ top centre is off to one of the best starts of his career, with two goals and six assists in five games. Moreover, he’s on a five-game point streak, matching his longest streak to start a season, set way back in his rookie season in 2018-19. Can Pettersson set a new standard on Saturday against the New Jersey Devils? The Devils certainly look vulnerable.
Carolina Hurricanes mascot gets political in odd troll of Vancouver Canucks fans
Oct 9 2026, 7:25 pm James Guillory/Imagn Images In many ways, a sports mascot is a lot like a court jester. Like a jester, a mascot is at a game to entertain and lift the spirits of the crowd with its antics. For the Vancouver Canucks, Fin gets the crowd going with his signature drum, designed by indigenous artist Xwalacktun, and with skits where he eats representations of the opposing team. But jesters weren’t just clowns.
I Watched This Game: Canucks' Lekkerimäki shines in lopsided loss
Oct 9 2026, 5:09 am James Guillory/Imagn Images Last season, the Vancouver Canucks finished last place in the NHL; the Carolina Hurricanes won the Stanley Cup. On Thursday night in Raleigh, you could tell. The Hurricanes wasted no time establishing their bona fides. Not even ten minutes into the first period, they were up 3-0, and Canucks head coach Manny Malhotra had to call a timeout to settle down his squad. But Manny said there’d be days like this.
Ticket prices soaring for Raptors' visit to Vancouver this weekend
Maybe Vancouver really is ready for the NBA to return. The Toronto Raptors are coming to Vancouver to face the LA Clippers in a preseason game on Saturday as part of the NBA Canada Games. It will be the seventh time the Raptors have played at Rogers Arena since the Vancouver Grizzlies moved to Memphis in 2001. Returning Raptor Kawhi Leonard is unlikely to take the court against his former team, but that’s not stopping Vancouver basketball fans from buying up every ticket available.
Vancouver Canucks lines vs. Carolina Hurricanes (Oct. 8, 2026)
The Vancouver Canucks brought in two older veterans to help renew the culture for their rebuilding team: Brendan Gallagher and Luke Schenn. Both are expected to be healthy scratches on Thursday as the Canucks take on the Carolina Hurricanes. That’s okay, of course — even expected. Both are in the twilight of their careers, and were not necessarily intended to be everyday players when they were acquired.
Former Canucks winger Höglander off to hot start with new team
Oct 7 2026, 10:31 pm Nils Höglander scored two goals all of last season with the Vancouver Canucks. Three games into his first season with the Nashville Predators, Höglander has already surpassed that total. Now Predators fans are high on the Hög. The 26-year-old winger scored two goals in Tuesday’s overtime loss to the Toronto Maple Leafs, a few days after scoring the game-winning goal against the Dallas Stars. That gives him three goals in three games this season.
Daughter of 1990s Canuck added to Canada's national soccer team
SportsHockeySoccerCanucks Oct 7 2026, 9:45 pm @brooklyncourtnall/Instagram The daughter of a former NHLer is making her mark in the world of soccer. Brooklyn Courtnall, daughter of Russ Courtnall and niece of Geoff Courtnall, has been added to the roster for Team Canada ahead of two friendlies against Denmark in Montreal and Toronto on Oct. 9 and Oct. 12. It’s the first time Canada’s national women’s team has played in Canada in over a year, since they faced Costa Rica in Toronto on June 27, 2025.
Flyers fans already seem done with ex-Canucks coach Tocchet
Oct 7 2026, 8:00 pm Eric Hartline/Imagn Images The Philadelphia Flyers are spiralling, and former Vancouver Canucks coach Rick Tocchet could take the fall. It’s not only that the Flyers have lost their first four games of the season, but also how they’ve lost them. The Flyers have been brutally outshot in every game — their opponents have literally doubled their shot totals in three out of four games, and they’ve been outshot 158-to-77 overall.
Canucks' Paul Cotter is keeping receipts from the haters
Oct 7 2026, 5:54 pm The Vancouver Canucks are relishing playing the underdog role this season. Heading into the season, everyone predicted that the Canucks would finish in last place in the NHL for the second straight season — everyone! — and that didn’t sit well with the Canucks themselves. “The idea of things in our room versus probably the rest of the world is a lot different,” said Paul Cotter after the season opener.
Canucks take new lines out for a spin ahead of first road trip
Oct 6 2026, 10:24 pm Aatu Räty is back to being a healthy scratch as the Vancouver Canucks leave for a six-game road trip. (Sergei Belski/Imagn Images) The Vancouver Canucks are taking this show on the road, and they’re taking some all-new lines with them. While the Canucks have played one road game so far, that was in isolation to kick off the season.
Scott Rintoul is helping to revive 'Sports Page' in a new form
Oct 6 2026, 7:35 pm Better Sports Parents/YouTube In its initial run, Sports Page was one of the most innovative and influential sports shows on television. The local Vancouver/Victoria program ran for nearly two decades from 1977 to 2005, and launched the careers of multiple broadcasters, including Don Taylor, John Shorthouse, and Dan Murphy, and influenced many more. Now, a version of Sports Page is making its return.
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