5 Canucks Fighting for Their Futures With Vancouver
On the latest episode of Canucks Conversation, David Quadrelli and Harman Dayal broke down which Vancouver Canucks players have the most at stake as the regular season winds down, with the team all but eliminated from playoff contention.
Canucks Still Have Something to Prove
Harm noted that, unlike some clubs where veterans on long-term deals might be coasting, several Canucks still have significant motivation to perform.
"A surprising number of players on this team have something real to play for," Harm said. "Take a team like the Predators—they've got veterans locked into big contracts, and outside of their young guys, there's not much urgency. You can see they're just going through the motions."
Suter and Boeser Playing for Their Futures
Two key forwards find themselves in particularly important contract situations:
"Pius Suter and Brock Boeser are both playing for new contracts," Harm emphasized. "They'll want to rack up points down the stretch to strengthen their cases."
Suter's recent strong play has been particularly noteworthy: "He's been raising his stock—has he done enough to convince the Canucks he's worth a significant extension? The team will need to decide if he's become an indispensable piece they should pay up for."
Boeser's situation carries additional weight given his tenure with the team. After a resurgent season where he's already set a new career high in goals, his finish could impact both his next contract value and his long-term future in Vancouver.
Aatu Räty's Make-or-Break Opportunity
Harm emphasized that Aatu Räty, one of the team's top prospects from the Bo Horvat trade, is at a critical juncture.
"This stretch is massive for him," Harm said. "He's the most highly regarded prospect on the team who'll require waivers next season. Sure, [Jonathan] Lekkerimäki has more hype, but the pressure isn't the same—he's younger and can still play in the AHL if needed. For Räty, time is running out."
"If he wants to secure a full-time NHL role, this is his moment. He needs to produce down the stretch, build on his recent performances, and prove he's clearly ahead of Nils Aman in the depth chart. The goal is for him to challenge Teddy Blueger for a roster spot next year, so there's a lot at stake."
Dakota Joshua's Chance to Rebound
Harm then turned to Dakota Joshua as another player to watch closely.
"Tocchet singled out Joshua yesterday when asked what he's looking for from players in these final games," Harm noted. "He mentioned that Joshua has looked better lately—can he use that as a springboard?"
"It's been a tough year for Joshua, but the Canucks need him to regain his form as an effective top-nine forward—the kind of player who can chip in 15 goals, play physically along the boards, and be a force on the forecheck, like he was last season."
Thatcher Demko's Performance Could Shape Goaltending Plans
Finally, Harm pointed out that Thatcher Demko's performance in the remaining games could influence the team's long-term decisions in net.
"If he stays healthy and finishes strong, what does that mean for the Canucks' long-term plans?" Harm asked. "They'll have to evaluate his future, especially with Kevin Lankinen already signed. Do they want to commit so much cap space to goaltending next year? Demko becomes eligible for an extension on July 1st, with one year left on his current deal."
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