Vancouver Canucks Roster Updates: Roslovic, Centre Depth, Kravtsov’s Return

As summer wraps up and the back-to-school rush begins, the Vancouver Canucks are shifting focus to the 2025-26 NHL season. Training camp opens in Penticton in just a month, and the team faces some big choices about their roster.

This post dives into the Canucks’ center depth, the Jack Roslovic rumor mill, and the unexpected return of Vitali Kravtsov. If you want the full breakdown, check out the original article on the New York Times Athletic.

Canucks’ Center Depth: A Closer Look

The Canucks have been weighing their options to shore up the center position. They showed some interest in unrestricted free agent Jack Roslovic, but that seems to have cooled off lately.

Instead, they’re looking at what they’ve already got and poking around the trade market for a middle-six center who fits better. It’s a bit of a wait-and-see approach, which feels pretty typical for this front office.

Internal Options: Filip Chytil and Aatu Räty

Management and head coach Adam Foote seem to have faith in their own guys at center. Filip Chytil and Aatu Räty are both in the mix as short-term solutions.

Chytil’s health has been a question mark, but he’s trending up. Räty showed flashes late last season that got folks in the organization excited about what he could bring.

Trade Market: A More Likely Solution

The team hasn’t ruled out a trade to fix their center depth. They’re ready to pull the trigger if the right middle-six center—maybe even a defensively-minded one—becomes available.

Historically, the Canucks like to make bold moves around the first weekend of October, right as Canadian Thanksgiving hits. That window’s on everyone’s radar as they try to lock down the roster.

Vitali Kravtsov’s Return: A Low-Risk, High-Reward Move

Vitali Kravtsov is back, and that’s caught a lot of attention. He signed a one-year deal at the veteran minimum, and his contract includes a hefty $450,000 AHL salary.

Kravtsov just wrapped up a strong two-year stretch in the KHL, finishing sixth in league scoring with 27 goals and 58 points in 66 games. That’s nothing to sneeze at.

Kravtsov’s KHL Success

His KHL run really seemed to spark something—he found his game and looked way more confident. The Canucks hope he can carry that swagger over to the NHL this time around.

Yeah, his first stint in Vancouver didn’t go as planned, but his size, skill, and draft pedigree still make him an interesting bet. Sometimes guys just need a fresh start, right?

Training Camp and Roster Challenges

Kravtsov will have to fight for a spot at camp. The Canucks already have 14 forwards on one-way deals, and Arshdeep Bains is pushing hard for an NHL job too.

But since Kravtsov doesn’t have a European out clause, he’ll stick with the organization all year—whether that’s in Vancouver or down in Abbotsford with the AHL squad.

Key Takeaways

• Internal Confidence: The Canucks feel pretty good about Filip Chytil and Aatu Räty holding down center depth.
• Trade Market: The team’s out there looking for a middle-six center, and October’s shaping up to be a big month for that.
• Kravtsov’s Return: Vitali Kravtsov coming back? It’s a low-risk, high-reward swing, and honestly, he could shake things up in a big way if things click.

The Canucks are gearing up for the new season, making moves that could really set the tone for what’s ahead. Their choices and how they roll with the punches might just decide how the 2025-26 NHL season plays out for them.

If you want to dig deeper, check out the New York Times Athletic.