Comparing the Canucks’ first months of the 2025-26 and 2026-27 seasons

The Vancouver Canucks concluded the first month of the 2026-27 NHL season with a 3-12-1 record, sitting 32nd in the league standings following a 4-2 loss to the Toronto Maple Leafs on Halloween. Writer Stephan Roget compares this start to the 2025-26 campaign, where Vancouver opened at 6-6-0. The drop-off comes after the departures of core players including Quinn Hughes, Conor Garland, Kiefer Sherwood, Marcus Pettersson, and Tyler Myers.

Despite the decline in results, Roget argues that several metrics offer slight encouragement for the rebuilding squad. Vancouver's power play improved to 19.6 percent from 17.9 percent, and faceoff efficiency increased under coach Manny Malhotra. Additionally, Roget notes that goaltender Leevi Meriläinen has helped reduce goals against compared to early-season starter Kevin Lankinen.