The Vancouver Canucks have officially unveiled their complete 2026-27 training camp roster, featuring a robust group of 57 players ready to compete for spots on the NHL squad. General Manager Ryan Johnson made the announcement on Wednesday, September 16, 2026, setting the stage for what promises to be an exciting preseason in British Columbia.
Full Roster Breakdown: 57 Players Across Three Positions
The Canucks training camp roster features an impressive depth chart with 33 forwards, 17 defencemen, and seven goaltenders. This extensive group gives the coaching staff plenty of options to evaluate as they shape the team heading into the regular season. Among the notable forwards attending camp are established stars like Brock Boeser, Elias Pettersson, and Jake DeBrusk, alongside promising prospects such as Jonathan Lekkerimäki and Marco Rossi.
The defensive corps includes veteran presence with Filip Hronek and Luke Schenn, while Zeev Buium and Tom Willander represent the organization’s investment in young talent. The goaltending group is anchored by Thatcher Demko and Kevin Lankinen, with several prospects competing for developmental opportunities.
Key Injury Updates: Demko and Thompson Status
While the roster announcement came with optimism, there are some injury concerns worth noting. Mackenzie MacEachern carries an injury designation according to the official social media post. However, more significant news emerged during Wednesday’s media availability when GM Ryan Johnson revealed that starting goaltender Thatcher Demko will not be a full participant at training camp.
Additionally, defenceman Jack Thompson suffered an unfortunate injury when he took a puck to the face during an on-ice session. This prompted the Canucks organization to invite an additional player to training camp. While Johnson did not disclose the player’s name, he confirmed the invitee holds an AHL contract. Among the defencemen already listed with AHL deals are Joe Arntsen, Isaac Belliveau, Tim Rego, and Gavin White.
2026 Draft Picks: Four Rookies Join Camp
The Vancouver Canucks selected nine players in the 2026 NHL Draft, and four of those selections will attend this year’s training camp. The attendees include Lucian Bernat, Yaroslav Bryzgalov, Adam Novotný, and Brooks Rogowski. These young prospects will get their first taste of professional hockey environment at the NHL level.
However, several notable draft picks will be absent from camp due to prior commitments. Third-overall pick Caleb Malhotra and 41st-overall selection Niklas Aaram-Olsen have already begun their academic year at Boston University in the NCAA. Similarly, fifth-round pick Connor Davis is returning to the University of North Dakota for his second collegiate season.
For fans following the Canucks prospects throughout 2026, two other selections are playing overseas. Third-round goaltending pick Dmitri Ivchenko is currently playing for Omskie Yastreby of the MHL, while sixth-round selection Samuel Eriksson has started his season with Färjestad in the U20 Nationell league.
Six New Faces: Offseason Acquisitions Ready to Impress
The 2026-27 Canucks training camp will feature six offseason additions wearing Vancouver colors for the first time. Forward Paul Cotter joins the group along with Trey Fix-Wolansky, adding speed and energy to the lineup. Fan-favorite Brendan Gallagher brings his renowned compete level to the organization, while Matthew Steinburg and Akil Thomas look to establish themselves at the NHL level.
On the blue line, veteran defenceman Jamie Oleksiak adds size and experience to the defensive group. His physical presence should provide the Canucks with valuable depth options throughout the season. These acquisitions demonstrate GM Ryan Johnson’s commitment to building a competitive roster with a mix of youth and experience.
Additionally, Luke Schenn returns to the organization, though this marks his third Canucks training camp after two previous stints with Vancouver. The veteran blueliner’s familiarity with the organization should help him integrate quickly with both new and returning teammates.
Complete Training Camp Roster
The forward group attending camp includes: Vilmer Alriksson, Arshdeep Bains, Ben Berard, Lucian Bernat, Brock Boeser, Austin Brimmer, Yaroslav Bryzgalov, Gabriel Chiarot, Filip Chytil, Braeden Cootes, Paul Cotter, Jake DeBrusk, Trey Fix-Wolansky, Brendan Gallagher, Linus Karlsson, Jonathan Lekkerimäki, Mackenzie MacEachern, Ty Mueller, Adam Novotný, Drew O’Connor, Liam Öhgren, Riley Patterson, Elias Pettersson, Aatu Räty, Anri Ravinskis, Brooks Rogowski, Marco Rossi, Ilya Safonov, Max Sasson, Bennett Schimek, Matthew Steinburg, Akil Thomas, and Chase Wouters.
The defensive corps features: Joe Arntsen, Isaac Belliveau, Guillaume Brisebois, Zeev Buium, Cole Clayton, Filip Hronek, Kirill Kudryavtsev, Victor Mancini, Sawyer Mynio, Jamie Oleksiak, Elias Pettersson (defenceman), Tim Rego, Luke Schenn, Jimmy Schuldt, Jack Thompson, Gavin White, and Tom Willander.
The goaltending group consists of: Thatcher Demko, Chris Driedger, Aku Koskenvuo, Kevin Lankinen, Aleksei Medvedev, Nikita Tolopilo, and Ty Young.
Read more: Canucks Prospects 2026: Line Steals Show
Interestingly, the roster includes two players named Elias Pettersson – the star forward and a defenceman who shares the same name. This unique situation will certainly make for some interesting moments during camp activities and roster announcements.
For hockey fans in Canada, particularly those in the Latin community following the NHL, this training camp represents an exciting opportunity to see how the Canucks build their roster for the upcoming season. The mix of established veterans, promising prospects, and fresh acquisitions creates compelling storylines to follow throughout the preseason.
The Vancouver Canucks will provide daily updates and live coverage throughout training camp, giving fans comprehensive access to all developments as 57 players compete for roster spots heading into the 2026-27 NHL season.
How many players are on the Canucks 2026-27 training camp roster?
The Vancouver Canucks invited 57 total players to their 2026-27 training camp, consisting of 33 forwards, 17 defencemen, and seven goaltenders.
Will Thatcher Demko participate in Canucks training camp?
Thatcher Demko will attend training camp but will not be a full participant, according to GM Ryan Johnson’s announcement during Wednesday’s media availability.
Which 2026 draft picks are attending Canucks training camp?
Four of the Canucks’ nine 2026 draft selections will attend camp: Lucian Bernat, Yaroslav Bryzgalov, Adam Novotný, and Brooks Rogowski. Third-overall pick Caleb Malhotra will not attend as he begins his year at Boston University.
Who are the new offseason signings attending Canucks camp?
Six offseason additions will attend their first Canucks training camp: Paul Cotter, Trey Fix-Wolansky, Brendan Gallagher, Matthew Steinburg, Akil Thomas, and Jamie Oleksiak.
What happened to Jack Thompson before training camp?
Jack Thompson took a puck to the face during an on-ice session, prompting the Canucks to invite an additional player on an AHL contract to training camp.
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Follow the Vancouver Canucks throughout training camp as they prepare for the 2026-27 NHL season. Daily coverage begins Thursday, September 17, 2026, with live updates as the team evaluates all 57 players and makes critical roster decisions ahead of the regular season opener.
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