Canucks release Chris Driedger from professional tryout contract: report

The Vancouver Canucks have released goaltender Chris Driedger from his professional tryout contract, according to a report from Rick Dhaliwal. Driedger had signed the tryout deal at the end of August ahead of the 2026-27 season. The Canucks' goaltending rotation now features Kevin Lankinen and Leevi Merilainen, while Thatcher Demko begins the season on injured reserve and Nikita Tolopilo reports to AHL Abbotsford.

Driedger appeared in one preseason contest for Vancouver, stopping all seven shots he faced in a single period against the Edmonton Oilers. The 32-year-old veteran netminder spent the 2025-26 season with Traktor Chelyabinsk in the KHL and has played 67 career NHL games across seven seasons with the Ottawa Senators, Florida Panthers, and Seattle Kraken.