Welcome back to WDYTT, the only hockey column on the internet that is definitely not a palindrome. Not even close.

Speaking of looking back on things, there’s been plenty of that already throughout the 2025-26, and there will be plenty more to come as this season’s vivisection turns into an autopsy. But we here at WDYTT tend to like to look forward, when possible, even if that frontward glance is a little bleak.

We realize that the Olympic Break has been a bit of a reprieve from a tough campaign for many beleaguered Canucks fans. But as you read these words, that experience is wrapping up. Soon, it’s back to the drudgery of the 2025-26 regular season, and all that it entails.

There are still, however, plenty of silver-lined clouds in the forecast ahead. This is a sports fandom, after all, and there’s always something to look forward to in the ever-marching world of sports.

For some, the 2026 Trade Deadline has already been booked off of work. For others, it’s all about the 2026 NHL Entry Draft, and the pick the Canucks will presumably be making at the top of it. Then again, it’s tough to beat out the excitement of the July 1 Free Agent Frenzy, which is a frenzy, after all.

There are even some dates on the Canucks’ actual game calendar worth getting excited about. The Canucks’ first ever game against Quinn Hughes happens in April. That’s the same month that legendary opponent Anze Kopitar will make his last visit to Vancouver in his retirement season.

And we know that, for many, the thing they’re most looking forward to from this season is…it being over. That’s April 16 against the Oilers, for anyone who wants to start the countdown now. Heck, if anyone wants to really stretch the definition here and say that their most anticipated moment is in September, when the next campaign officially starts, we’ll allow it.

Whichever remaining date it is you’ve got most heavily circled on your personal Canucks calendar, we want to hear it. This week, we’re asking you:

Let it be known in the comment section.

You answered below!

I started watching the Olympics, but lost enthusiasm for it on the second day of competition, so now I’m just sleeping it off. Only two more weeks…zzzz … zzzz … zzzz.

I’ve been going for walks with the dog, enjoying the outdoors, and doing projects around the house. All in all, I have not been so happy and content for a long time.

No Canuck hockey? Oh ya, almost forgot about those guys. My happiness must just be a coincidence.

Catching up on home projects, detoxing from most social media – except here, lol. Walking my dog, cleaned out my garage, washed windows, and my truck.

On a beach. On a tropical island.

Thinking about how the Olympian Horvat was once a Canuck. And remembering how, as soon as I heard the Canucks had signed a new contract with Miller, I knew Horvat was gone. I was sure it was the wrong choice. But I did not imagine it would be as starkly obvious as it has become that it was the wrong choice.

(Winner of the author’s weekly award for eloquence)
I read a lot of fiction. For a change of pace, I just finished reading Gino by Patrick Johnston.

We are packing up the house, getting ready to move. Somewhere! Back to the farm for now I guess. Then we will spend the summer at the cabin and go from there. I am missing NHL hockey, but not so much Canucks hockey. I’ll enjoy the Olympic hockey.

Enjoying the Kiwi summer. Been diving with the great white sharks down at Stewart Island. Sudoku. Getting back to the gym. Catching up with work on the (dairy) farm…and when I can’t keep myself away from hockey, then I’m analysing teams’ rosters to see who needs our UFAs and more valuable players, readying myself for the TDL. Keep an eye on Utah for a trade! Sorry, can’t help myself. 😉

Enjoying the Olympics. A break from the trade gossip is certainly welcome, too.

Spring Training – hitting several teams in Florida and, through a connection, getting some golf in at a few great venues.

Well, at least they won’t lose any games for the next two weeks.

Daylight lasting longer, Coquitlam Crunch is not far away. That and baseball spring training is firing up.

Does Canucks hockey take up so much time that one can’t do chores, go on vacation, or read a book?

Interesting…

If there was a gourmet cooking class that took less than an hour, I guess I would try that.

I know how I definitely won’t be spending the time: watching any other hockey! If not for a friend from Church who was given some tickets to the Flames and Habs at the Bell Centre a couple of years ago and asked me to go with him (ironically, the next game after the Canucks had come to town), I would be saying it has been some 15 years since I saw a 60-minute game that did not involve the Canucks!

However, if the Olympics did not once more bring professionals into the fray, I would have considered watching it, as this should be about non-professionals and the kids…

Grief free.

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