Photo credit: Bob Frid – Imagn Images.
The Vancouver Canucks have announced some major lineup news ahead of Wednesday night’s clash with the Winnipeg Jets, their first game post-Olympic break.
Three weeks after their final game before the 2026 Winter Olympics, the Vancouver Canucks are back in action for an all-Canadian battle with the Winnipeg Jets, who are looking to climb their way back into the playoff picture, but remain 11 points back of Anaheim for the final wild card spot in the Western Conference.
With the trade deadline right around the corner, the Vancouver Canucks are gearing up for some big changes and tonight’s contest could potentially be one of the final home games for a number of players including Evander Kane, Teddy Blueger and David Kampf, all of whom are expected to be moved before next Friday.
After dealing with a number of injuries prior to that aforementioned Olympic break, it looks like some relief is coming to the Vancouver Canucks’ lineup tonight, with head coach Adam Foote making a big announcement after Wednesday’s morning skate.
Vancouver Canucks announce major lineup news ahead of tonight’s game vs Winnipeg Jets
When speaking with reporters, Adam Foote revealed that forwards Brock Boeser, Marco Rossi, along with defenseman Zeev Buium will all return from injury tonight against the Jets, while Nikita Tolopilo is set to get the start between the pipes.
“Tolopilo starts, Lankinen backs up. Rossi, Boeser and Buium will all be activated off IR and play tonight.” Jeff Paterson of Canucks Army shared on X.
Rossi has been out the longest of the three players returning to the lineup tonight as he last suited up on December 30th against the Philadelphia Flyers due to a lower-body injury, while Brock Boeser is back after sustaining a suspected concussion on January 25th after being hit in the head by Bryan Rust of the Pittsburgh Penguins.
Looking ahead to tonight’s game, it appears that Evander Kane is being showcased in a top line role, skating alongside Elias Pettersson and Jake DeBrusk, while Drew O’Connor, Marco Rossi and Brock Boeser round out the top-six.
Rookie forward Liam Ohgren is set to play on the third line tonight with Teddy Blueger and Conor Garland, with Nils Hoglander placed on the fourth line where he’s expected to skate with David Kampf and Linus Karlsson.
On the blue line, Elias Pettersson jumps up to the top pairing with Filip Hronek, Zeev Buium, who was dealing with a facial injury, is on the second duo with Tyler Myers, while Marcus Pettersson and Tom Willander will skate as the third pair.
Vancouver Canucks Projected Lineup
Evander Kane — Elias Pettersson — Jake DeBrusk
Drew O’Connor — Marco Rossi — Brock Boeser
Liam Ohgren — Teddy Blueger — Conor Garland
Nils Hoglander — David Kampf — Linus Karlsson
Elias Pettersson — Filip Hronek
Zeev Buium — Tyler Myers
Marcus Pettersson — Tom Willander
Nikita Tolopilo
Kevin Lankinen
Scratched: Max Sasson, Aatu Raty, P.O Joseph
Injured: Filip Chytil (facial fracture), Thatcher Demko (hip surgery), Derek Forbort (undisclosed)
Previously on Vancouver Hockey Daily
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Vancouver Canucks announce major lineup news ahead of Wednesday’s clash with Winnipeg Jets
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