Welcome to the 2025–26 installment of The Hockey News - Vancouver Canucks’ Player Report Card Series. Throughout the off-season, THN will conduct a deep dive into how each member of the Canucks performed throughout the 2025–26 season. Today’s article will focus on defenceman Victor Mancini.
Mancini's 2025–26 Season Review
Mancini spent the 2025-26 campaign split between the AHL and NHL. He played 33 games with the Abbotsford Canucks, producing four goals and 12 points. As for the NHL, Mancini recorded three assists in 24 games while averaging 13:44 of ice time.
Overall, it was clear that Adam Foote and his staff were unwilling to give Mancini opportunities at the NHL level. He played over 16 minutes on seven occasions and played under 12 minutes eight times. Mancini was also a healthy scratch throughout the season, which included the final three games of the campaign.
As for his other stats, Mancini blocked 26 shots and threw 28 hits. He also registered 14 shots on net and had 32 shot attempts. Finally, Mancini got into his first career NHL fight, which he arguably won against Brandon Duhaime.
Overall, Mancini looked more confident in the AHL than the NHL. It is clear that Manny Malhotra trusts the 24-year-old, as he was a significant part of Abbotsford's Calder Cup championship. With Malhotra now behind the bench in Vancouver, Mancini could see more opportunities than he did during the 2025-26 season.
Mancini's 2025–26 Letter Grade
The 2025-26 campaign was not kind to Mancini. He didn't develop as planned, partly because of how he was deployed game to game. That being said, it is clear that the organization still has faith in him, as Mancini signed a two-year extension at the end of March.
Ultimately, Mancini receives an C grade for the 2025-26 season.
Mar 17, 2026; Vancouver, British Columbia, CAN; Vancouver Canucks defenseman Victor Mancini (90) puts his helmet back on after a scrum against the Florida Panthers in the first period at Rogers Arena. Mandatory Credit: Bob Frid-Imagn Images
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Much has been made of the fact that the Montreal Canadiens signed Kirby Dach to a new contract and that he will have yet another chance to prove himself. Some are convinced that if it weren’t for his dreadful luck with injuries, he could be a prominent top-six player for the Habs and that he deserves another opportunity to prove it.
However, he won’t be the only forward who’ll be playing in a contract year and eager to prove himself. Furthermore, I think there are players more deserving of a chance on the top six than he is. Whichever way you look at it, injuries have indeed been a grave issue for Dach, but even when he is healthy, the consistency is lacking.
He shone brightly in the playoffs when he was annoyed at being heavily criticized by fans and media after game two of the Canadiens’ first-round series against the Tampa Bay Lightning. Still, after that he vanished, and he finished the playoffs on the wing of the fourth line. In the Eastern Conference Final, he didn’t have a single point and finished with a minus-four rating in five games. Granted, Nick Suzuki was minus-five, but he had much harder matchups and a lot more ice time.
Alex Newhook will also be playing in a contract year this season, and he’s coming off the best season of his career, despite being limited to just 42 games because of injuries. He put up 25 points, after putting up 26 the previous season, but in 82 games. When he came back from his injury, he hit the ground running, and he’s developed good chemistry with Ivan Demidov and Oliver Kapanen.
In the playoffs, he was the one who scored both game-winning goals in Game 7 against the Tampa Bay Lightning and the Buffalo Sabres. The one against the Sabres came in overtime, and the one against the Bolts in the third frame. The Newfoundlander really showed up in the playoffs and answered the bell big time. He finished the third round with a minus-two rating and never looked like he had given up.
Meanwhile, Kapanen, who hit a wall in the second part of the season after the Olympics, may have finished his playoffs as a healthy scratch, but given how well he linked up with Demidov in the first part of the season, he should still be in the top six. Granted, long-term, he won’t be in the top six, but if the Canadiens fail to add a top-six center before the start of the season, he’s a suitable placeholder. Seeing a rookie hit a wall in the second half of a campaign is not a rare phenomenon; he deserves another chance, especially since this will also be a contract year for him.
If and when Michael Hage pans out as an NHL center, Kapanen will be pushed down to the third line, which is a more realistic role for him, but for now, it can only benefit his development to play him on the second line with tough matchups.
I’m not completely ruling out Dach as a top-six player this season, but the way I see it, he should have to earn another opportunity, and there are players ahead of him. I would even suggest that Zach Bolduc, who’s currently an unsigned RFA, would be more deserving of a shot on the second line right now. He finished the playoffs on the fourth line just like Dach, but he played with much more energy and dedication, taking a leaf out of Josh Anderson’s book, something that Dach never committed to.
The Pittsburgh Penguins have been a pretty busy this off-season. However, when looking at their current blueline, it is fair to argue that they could use another left-shot defenseman. They lost Ryan Shea to the Edmonton Oilers in free agency and traded Parker Wotherspoon to the Vegas Golden Knights.
With it now being over three weeks since the start of free agency, most of this year's top UFAs have signed their contracts. While this is the case, there is still an interesting veteran defenseman unsigned at this point of the off-season: Ben Hutton.
With the Penguins needing more defensive depth, Hutton could be a solid player for them to bring in on a cheap one-year deal. He could compete for a spot on their bottom pairing or work well as an extra defenseman for the Metropolitan Division club.
Hutton spent last season with the Vegas Golden Knights, where he scored a career-high six goals and posted 15 points in 55 games. He also played in seven playoff games for Vegas this past spring, recording one assist and a plus-1 rating.
Overall, while Hutton would not the flashiest of additions for the Penguins, he would give their blueline more much-needed depth. With this, he could be a solid pickup for Pittsburgh.
In 575 career NHL games, Hutton has posted 30 goals, 109 assists, and 139 points. He also won the Stanley Cup with Vegas in 2023.
A former Philadelphia Flyers forward is heading to the KHL, as Justin Bailey has signed a one-year contract with Barys Astana. The KHL announced the news.
Bailey spent each of the last two seasons in the AHL exclusively, so it is understandable that he wants to take on a new challenge in the KHL. He will now be looking to make an impact with Barys Astana after landing his new deal.
Bailey spent most of his North American career in the AHL. In 509 games over 10 AHL seasons, the 2013 second-round pick posted 180 goals, 139 assists, and 319 points. He played in 17 games during the 2018-19 season with the Flyers' AHL affiliate, the Lehigh Valley Phantoms, where he recorded six goals and eight points.
Bailey also played in 11 games with the Flyers during the 2018-19 season, where he recorded one assist, five blocks, and nine hits. His time in Philadelphia ended when the Flyers let him walk into free agency, and he signed a one-year deal with the Vancouver Canucks during the 2019 NHL off-season.
In 141 career NHL games over eight seasons split between the Buffalo Sabres, Flyers, Canucks, and San Jose Sharks, Bailey posted 10 goals, 13 assists, 23 points, and 157 hits.
The Blackhawks announced Thursday that the team agreed to a two-year contract with the former star, which will run through the 2027-28 season.
Kane was originally drafted by Chicago with the first overall pick in 2007, playing a pivotal role in three Stanley Cup championships and becoming one of the most important players in team history.
“Day in and day out for 16 seasons, Patrick captivated the city of Chicago with his dazzling skill, creating some of the most memorable moments in Blackhawks history as he helped bring our storied franchise back to the pinnacle of our sport,” Blackhawks general manager Kyle Davidson said in a statement. “He’s shown on countless occasions that he knows what it takes to win at the highest levels, and we couldn’t be prouder for Patrick to once again call the United Center home and continue to shine in Chicago’s brightest lights.”
Kane, who is among the franchise leaders in nearly every key offensive category, told former Blackhawks defenseman Chris Chelios he was deciding between the Blackhawks and Buffalo Sabres when it came to his next move.
“I am not gonna lie to you guys, it is down to Buffalo and Chicago. I know that,” Chelios told David Haugh and Mike Mulligan on 104.3 The Score Wednesday morning.
Kane, who will turn 38 years old in November, is likely looking at his last contract in the NHL before he hangs up his skates, and he’s still got some gas in the tank, having scored 16 goals and dished out 41 assists with the Detroit Red Wings last season.
Kane was a fixture with the Blackhawks for more than a decade before the team traded him to the New York Rangers during the 2022-23 season. Since then he has played for the Rangers and Red Wings.
During a press conference discussing his own new five-year, $75 million deal, Blackhawks forward Connor Bedard — another No. 1 overall pick — said it would be “incredible” to play with Kane.
“That would be incredible to get to play with him and learn from him,” he said. “Hopefully he decides to come back, and you talk about kind of the legacy aspect of it, but just as a team, it would make us a way better team. He’s still an amazing player.”
The Blackhawks announced Thursday that the team agreed to a two-year contract with the former star, which will run through the 2027-28 season.
Kane was originally drafted by Chicago with the first overall pick in 2007, playing a pivotal role in three Stanley Cup championships and becoming one of the most important players in team history.
“Day in and day out for 16 seasons, Patrick captivated the city of Chicago with his dazzling skill, creating some of the most memorable moments in Blackhawks history as he helped bring our storied franchise back to the pinnacle of our sport,” Blackhawks general manager Kyle Davidson said in a statement. “He’s shown on countless occasions that he knows what it takes to win at the highest levels, and we couldn’t be prouder for Patrick to once again call the United Center home and continue to shine in Chicago’s brightest lights.”
Kane, who is among the franchise leaders in nearly every key offensive category, told former Blackhawks defenseman Chris Chelios he was deciding between the Blackhawks and Buffalo Sabres when it came to his next move.
“I am not gonna lie to you guys, it is down to Buffalo and Chicago. I know that,” Chelios told David Haugh and Mike Mulligan on 104.3 The Score Wednesday morning.
Kane, who will turn 38 years old in November, is likely looking at his last contract in the NHL before he hangs up his skates, and he’s still got some gas in the tank, having scored 16 goals and dished out 41 assists with the Detroit Red Wings last season.
Kane was a fixture with the Blackhawks for more than a decade before the team traded him to the New York Rangers during the 2022-23 season. Since then he has played for the Rangers and Red Wings.
During a press conference discussing his own new five-year, $75 million deal, Blackhawks forward Connor Bedard — another No. 1 overall pick — said it would be “incredible” to play with Kane.
“That would be incredible to get to play with him and learn from him,” he said. “Hopefully he decides to come back, and you talk about kind of the legacy aspect of it, but just as a team, it would make us a way better team. He’s still an amazing player.”
The Blackhawks announced Thursday that the team agreed to a two-year contract with the former star, which will run through the 2027-28 season.
Kane was originally drafted by Chicago with the first overall pick in 2007, playing a pivotal role in three Stanley Cup championships and becoming one of the most important players in team history.
“Day in and day out for 16 seasons, Patrick captivated the city of Chicago with his dazzling skill, creating some of the most memorable moments in Blackhawks history as he helped bring our storied franchise back to the pinnacle of our sport,” Blackhawks general manager Kyle Davidson said in a statement. “He’s shown on countless occasions that he knows what it takes to win at the highest levels, and we couldn’t be prouder for Patrick to once again call the United Center home and continue to shine in Chicago’s brightest lights.”
Kane, who is among the franchise leaders in nearly every key offensive category, told former Blackhawks defenseman Chris Chelios he was deciding between the Blackhawks and Buffalo Sabres when it came to his next move.
“I am not gonna lie to you guys, it is down to Buffalo and Chicago. I know that,” Chelios told David Haugh and Mike Mulligan on 104.3 The Score Wednesday morning.
Kane, who will turn 38 years old in November, is likely looking at his last contract in the NHL before he hangs up his skates, and he’s still got some gas in the tank, having scored 16 goals and dished out 41 assists with the Detroit Red Wings last season.
Kane was a fixture with the Blackhawks for more than a decade before the team traded him to the New York Rangers during the 2022-23 season. Since then he has played for the Rangers and Red Wings.
During a press conference discussing his own new five-year, $75 million deal, Blackhawks forward Connor Bedard — another No. 1 overall pick — said it would be “incredible” to play with Kane.
“That would be incredible to get to play with him and learn from him,” he said. “Hopefully he decides to come back, and you talk about kind of the legacy aspect of it, but just as a team, it would make us a way better team. He’s still an amazing player.”
With August just around the corner, the onset of NHL training camps is drawing nearer and nearer, which means time is beginning to dwindle for any kind of roster reshuffling prior to the 2026-27 season.
And, if general manager and president of hockey operations Kyle Dubas and the Pittsburgh Penguins elect not to change anything up in the meantime, things will be quite interesting once the season gets underway.
The Penguins have been a relatively active team since the end of the 2025-26 season, as they have added a few players via trade and free agency. But through that addition, a bit of a logjam has been created both in the forward unit and on the blue line, even if it gives the team a whole lot of options as far as lineups.
There is particular intrigue in the forward unit. There are a handful of prospects who should be pushing for NHL roster spots next season and a few more seasoned players like David Gustafsson and - depending on health - Filip Hallander, but there are also 14 more established NHL players in front of them to beat out.
For these purposes, we can't assume that any trades will be made, however likely it may seem. So, barring there is no roster movement prior to training camp and the beginning of the season, what will the Penguins' forward lineup look like?
Ultimately, the decision was made to place Rakell back on the first line with Crosby and Rust. Simply put, it's a line that has mostly worked for the Penguins in the last several years, and it's hard to remove Rust or Rakell from that line when they're hovering around 30 goals every season.
However, the Penguins were very impressed with the work Rakell put in at center last season, so it would not be surprising to see him start the season centering the second line. He needs to put in some work in the faceoff dot to be truly effective there, but all other aspects of his game improved pretty substantially playing the position down last season's home stretch without Crosby and Malkin - and he also registered 14 goals and 24 points in a 20-game stretch during that time.
Rakell's versatility gives the Penguins options for their top-nine configuration, and it opens the door for some others like Kuzmenko and Robertson to get looks alongside Crosby. It would also help bolster his trade value if that's a road the Penguins are still interested in.
Well, the obvious answers here are Kindel and Robertson, as both are young players with potentially higher ceilings to reach, especially in Kindel's case.
As an 18-year-old, Kindel put up 17 goals and 35 points in 77 games, and that was with him largely being deployed as the team's third-line center with a rotating cast of characters on either wing. One thing he should benefit from this season right off the bat is the potential for more consistency on his wings, as Robertson brings speed and scoring ability and Kuzmenko - while not the most fleet of foot - can also put the puck in the back of the net and has some creativity to boot.
There is also room for him to work his way up the ladder to second-line center by the end of the season, which should increase his production ceiling even more.
Robertson, 24, had a similar line to Kindel last season with 16 goals and 32 points in 78 games, which were largely played in Toronto's bottom-six. There is certainly a higher goal-scoring ceiling to reach, and if he can develop some chemistry with Kindel or earn a spot in the top-six - depending on how the Penguins decide to deploy Rakell - it stands to reason that he should find some offensive momentum in Pittsburgh.
Kuzmenko could also be considered a bit of a breakout candidate, as the 30-year-old has not been able to replicate his 39-goal, 74-point rookie campaign with the Vancouver Canucks. The talent is there, the execution just needs to show up again - and he needs to stay healthy.
Finally, don't forget about Soderblom: He may not be scoring 20, but he showed legitimate signs of offensive upside with his ability on the forecheck and soft hands last season, and both Dewar and Lizotte have enough offensive upside to help elevate Soderblom's production.
As was well-documented last season, Chinakhov had just three goals and six points in 29 games with the Columbus Blue Jackets prior to his late-December arrival in Pittsburgh. Then, a switch flipped, and he closed out the season with 18 goals and 36 points in 43 games with Pittsburgh.
Was his half-season sample in Pittsburgh a sign of things to come? If so, the Penguins are looking at having another 35-goal, 70-point player on their hands, and there is some belief in the organization that his ceiling is even higher than that, bordering on star potential.
But, if not, it would be a massive blow to their top-six. He also has to stay healthy, too, which has been a challenge throughout his career.
Chinakhov has immense goal-scoring talent. If he can find a way to continue replicating the success he had with the Penguins last season, that will be a huge deal for a team that is looking to take steps toward sustainable contention next season and beyond.
Unfortunately, the Penguins' prospects on the brink of regular NHL minutes - as well as Gustafsson and Hallander - are likely to be the ones to lose out if the team goes into training camp with its roster as constructed.
But that doesn't mean they can't earn a spot.
Take Kindel last season, who was not remotely supposed to be in the conversation for a full-time NHL roster spot prior to camp. His, along with defensive prospect Harrison Brunicke's, camp was so impressive that Pittsburgh had no choice but to keep him around for at least a nine-game trial. Then, when Kindel took that and exceeded expectations even further, he earned a permanent spot.
That's probably what it is going to take for guys like Rutger McGroarty, Avery Hayes, Tristan Broz, and Ville Koivunen to earn NHL roster spots out of camp, especially since all will be waivers-exempt except Koivunen, who is still an RFA without a contract. They will have to beat out the likes of Lapierre, Brazeau, and Soderblom in order to make the cut, and they probably won't make the cut if they figure to be spending time in the press box.
Realistically, there may be one NHL roster spot for the taking. No one in the projected top-nine will come out of the lineup, and neither will Dewar and Lizotte - and that's likely to be the case regardless of how impressive a camp any of the prospects have.
So, it's an uphilll climb for all of them, but it's not an impossible one. Tanner Howe, Mikhail Ilyin, and Bill Zonnon will probably be part of the mix as well, but given what each player has shown at the AHL level, the other four are probably closer on paper.
But, never say never. At the very least, the forward battle at training camp this season figures to be one of the most competitive in recent memory.
On July 22nd, 2021, five years ago today, the Seattle Kraken drafted their inaugural roster, selecting 30 players from every NHL club except the Vegas Golden Knights.
The Kraken ended up with the following 30 players:
Of those players, six remain on the roster in 2025-26.
The Kraken struggled in their first few seasons in the NHL.
In the 2021-22 season, the team went 27-49-6 and earned 60 points.
In 2022-23, they improved to 46-28-8 and tallied 100 points. In 2023-24, they went 34-35-13, and in 2024-25 they went 35-41-6.
Last season, the team went 34-37-11 and tallied 79 points.
The team made the playoffs once since the draft, in 2022-23. They went 7-7 in 14 playoff games.
As the Kraken continue to develop their team, it is a good time to reflect on the history that was made five years ago today.
Contracts in the NHL are steadily growing larger, and will continue to do so - especially after the record-breaking offer sheet for Anaheim Ducks forward Leo Carlsson from the Philadelphia Flyers that was ultimately matched.
Carlsson will make $18 million per season over the next five seasons, the highest annual salary in NHL history.
Meanwhile, the Detroit Red Wings have several contracts on the books that are among the best in the NHL in sheer value.
In fact, the contract of defenseman and potential future captain Moritz Seider has been named one of the 10 best in the NHL by analytical Insider Dom Luszczyszyn of The Athletic.
There are some NHL stars locked up to absolute BARGAIN deals for years to come…
Of course, Seider's contract, along with teammate Lucas Raymond, were negotiated by now-former GM Steve Yzerman, who vacated his role earlier this month.
Additionally, as of now, captain Dylan Larkin's salary cap hit of $8.7 million is a tremendous bargain. Larkin has reached the 30-goal plateau in each of the last four seasons, but stunned the franchise by requesting a trade out of town following the 10th straight campaign without making the Stanley Cup Playoffs.
This past season, Seider established new personal bests with 10 goals, 50 assists, and a plus-15 rating. He also paced the Red Wings in average ice time at 25:39 per game, serving as Detroit's workhorse defenseman while routinely matching up against the opposing team's top offensive talent in every game situation.
He also garnered consideration for both the Norris and Hart Trophies.
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The Vancouver Canucks have announced that the team’s 2026–27 Training Camp will take place in Penticton at the South Okanagan Events Centre, running from September 17 to 20.
“Returning to Penticton this year makes perfect sense for our organization,” Canucks co-President of Hockey Operations, Henrik Sedin, said in a press release. “The South Okanagan Events Centre has everything we need for camp both on and off the ice. Besides being a first-class facility, the venue is also a great spot for our fans to experience our skates and fan fest. We look forward to kicking off our season in the interior this September and connecting with the thousands of fans who will make the trip to watch our training camp at the SOEC. Our organization really appreciates the provincial wide support we receive at this camp and throughout the regular season.”
This is the third straight season the Canucks have hosted their training camp in Penticton, having done-so in 2024–25 and 2025–26 as well. Prior to then, Vancouver hosted their camps in Whistler (2022–23) and Victoria (2023–24).
A finalized schedule of practice times will be released at a later date.
Apr 14, 2026; Vancouver, British Columbia, CAN; Fin the mascot and the Vancouver Canucks celebrate their victory against the Los Angeles Kings at Rogers Arena. Mandatory Credit: Bob Frid-Imagn Images
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One of the New York Rangers’ most notable moves of the 2026 NHL Draft was their selection of goaltender Danai Shaiikov in the third round.
The selection of Shaiikov marked the first time the Rangers drafted a goalie since Talyn Boyko in 2021.
Being drafted to the NHL is a moment that all young hockey players dream of. Shaiikov comically experienced that moment.
“I was surprised. I honestly was in (the) bathroom when I got picked,” Shaiikov revealed. “I came back, everybody (was) clapping, looking at me.”
Aside from Dylan Garand, the Rangers don’t have a ton of goaltending prospects to complement Igor Shesterkin and newly acquired Joonas Korpisalo at the NHL level, so Shaiikov instantly becomes one of the team’s most intriguing young goalies in the pipeline.
The 19-year-old goaltender expressed his excitement to join the Rangers’ organization, while underplaying the significance of being the first goalie drafted by the franchise since 2021.
“I’m just happy to be here,” Shaiikov said. “It’s an honor to be in such a legendary organization.”
The Kazakhstan native played for the Gatineau Olympiques in the Quebec Maritimes Junior Hockey League this past season, recording an 18-26-2 record, .903 save percentage, and 2.78 goals against average in 50 games in his role as the starting goaltender.
While he idolized Sergei Bobrovsky as a young boy, Shaiikov confessed that his style of play is more comparable to that of Shesterkin.
“I was saying that Bobrovsky is my idol, but I compare myself more to Shesterkin,” Shaiikov said.
Shaiikov is expected to return to the QMJHL for the 2026-27 season.
A former Buffalo Sabres forward is heading to the KHL.
The KHL has announced that former Sabres forward Justin Bailey has signed a one-year contract with Barys Astana.
Bailey signing with Barys Astana comes after he spent all of this past season in the AHL with the San Diego Gulls. In 71 games with the AHL club in 2025-26, he posted 25 goals, 17 assists, and 42 points. Overall, the 31-year-old forward had a solid year with the Gulls and will now be looking to make an impact with Barys Astana after landing this new contract.
This is the first time in Bailey's career that he will be playing for an overseas club.
Bailey was selected by the Sabres in the second round of the 2013 NHL Entry Draft, 52nd overall. He played three seasons with the Sabres from 2015-16 to 2017-18, where he recorded five goals, three assists, eight points, and 54 hits.
Following his time with the Sabres, Bailey had stints at the NHL level with the Philadelphia Flyers, Vancouver Canucks, and San Jose Sharks. In 141 career NHL games over eight seasons, he posted 10 goals, 13 assists, 23 points, and 157 hits.
After not receiving a qualifying offer from the Vancouver Canucks at the end of June, forward Nils Åman has returned to the SHL. Djurgårdens IF announced yesterday that Åman has signed with the Swedish club, ending his four-year stint as a member of the Canucks organization.
Åman was first acquired by Vancouver via free-agent signing in 2022. He was originally drafted in the sixth-round of the 2020 NHL Entry Draft by the Colorado Avalanche but never ended up signing with them. He played in a career-high of 68 NHL games during the 2022–23 season, scoring four goals and 12 assists in that span of time.
As time went on, Åman’s usage at the NHL level began to dwindle, going from 43 games in 2023–24, to 19 games in 2024–25, and finally to only two games in 2025–26. During these seasons, he spent more time with the Abbotsford Canucks, with the forward putting together a career-high of six goals and 35 assists in 55 games in 2025–26 — the team-high in points.
While the 2026–27 season will be Åman’s first with Djurgårdens, it won’t be his first in the SHL. Prior to his time with the Canucks, the forward played for Lekands IF.
Apr 2, 2025; Vancouver, British Columbia, CAN; Vancouver Canucks forward Nils Aman (88) during pre game warm up against the Seattle Kraken at Rogers Arena. Mandatory Credit: Simon Fearn-Imagn Images
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