The Abbotsford Canucks are on the road for an extended timeframe and will do so with a win on their side.

In the final game of a two-game set against the San Jose Barracuda, the Canucks earned their first win in over a month. With a shootout win, they snapped an 11-game losing skid to head on the road on a good note.

The six-game trip will begin in San Diego for their first match against the Gulls.

Despite enjoying their best season in franchise history, the Canucks were even-keeled against their Pacific Division rivals in 2024-25. Through eight games, the team’s finished with an even 4-4-0-0 record. All-time, the Canucks enjoy a lopsided 16-6-0-2 record, and will look to add to that total in a quick one-stop game on Saturday night.

Slowly, but surely, this team is on the brink of getting a few bodies back into their lineup. Important bodies.

After being activated off injured reserve and assigned to the team last week, Jonathan Lekkerimäki appears to be ready to join the team to assist in the offence.

While it’s unclear if he’ll make his return to game action this weekend, Nikita Tolopilo did join the team on their trip. It’s a good sign that he will get himself into action at some point on the journey.

All eyes will be on the sharpshooting winger, who is expected to rejoin the team and boost their offensive potency tenfold. Returning from a reported shoulder injury, there is a world where his minutes are somewhat sheltered. However, he should be viewed as the team’s go-to threat, both at even strength and on special teams.

Like everyone else, Ty Mueller has struggled offensively this season. With two points in the team’s victory earlier in the week, momentum is on his side to enjoy a little bit of a boost to find the scoresheet. He’s playing heavy minutes in all other areas, so now it’s a matter of finding the scoresheet on a more consistent basis.

The big Swede, Vilmer Alriksson, has been heating up as of late. Despite showing just two goals (and points) on his ledger, he has demonstrated an eagerness to plant himself at the net front and create havoc in front of the goaltender. Head Coach Manny Malhotra has gained trust in his abilities, lining him up on the top line over the last few games.

Making his AHL debut, Aku Koskenvuo saved the day to snap the team’s extensive losing streak for his first career win. With that in mind, he could see a back-to-back start as encouragement for getting his team out of a deep, dark hole.

Jett Woo (upper body): Injured during the 2025 Calder Cup run, which he played through. Woo is listed as month-to-month and is expected back sometime in December.

Guillaume Brisebois (lower body): The full extent of the injury is unknown, but he is expected to miss significant time, with a possible return not anticipated until early 2026.

Nikita Tolopilo (lower body): Recovering from a groin injury, Nikita Tolopilo joined the team on their road trip. While it’s unclear when he’ll return, it is expected to be sometime this week.

Chase Stillman (lower body), Cooper Walker (lower body), Jujhar Khaira (undisclosed).

A significant chunk of Abbotsford’s core is currently with the big club, including:

Mackenzie MacEachern, Arshdeep Bains, Max Sasson, Linus Karlsson, Aatu Räty, Víctor Mancini, Tom Willander and Jiri Patera

The Canucks travel to Coachella Valley on Sunday for a one-game match at Acrisure Arena before heading to San Jose for a two-game rematch on November 21 and 22.

Ben Berard – Nils Aman – Danila Klimovich

Vilmer Alriksson – Ty Mueller – Jonathan Lekkerimäki

Joseph Labate – Chase Wouters – Anri Ravinskis

Josh Bloom – Jackson Kunz – Arnaud Durandeau

Dino Kambeitz – Nick Poisson

Jimmy Schuldt – Kirill Kudryavtsev

Joe Arntsen – Sawyer Mynio

Nikolai Knyzhov – Derek Daschke

Phip Waugh – Jake Murray

Ty Young

Aku Koskenvuo