Welcome back to WDYTT, the only hockey column on the internet with a perfect success rate of pun-based intros.

Speaking of success, it’s a word that means something different in Vancouver than it once did, at least as it pertains to the local hockey team. The Canucks are no longer anywhere near ‘Cup or bust’ territory. In fact, they’re a ways off of ‘playoffs or bust’ territory. The Canucks are in a rebuild, and that means that success is now measured in long-term, future-focused, and difficult-to-define ways.

Winning is no longer the main objective, at least not in this current season. Many might even see it as a detriment, and something counter to the long-term success of the franchise. It’s all got a little bit topsy-turvy, and that means that we’re probably all carrying around inside our minds a unique perspective on what a “successful” 2026-27 season might look like for these Canucks.

Today, we want to tap into those unique perspectives and start laying some individual expectations down on this upcoming campaign.

For this one, don’t worry an ounce about how others see it. Instead, think ahead to what you’d most want to look back on the 2026-27 season as a whole and have seen accomplished.

This week, we’re asking:

Let it be known in the comment section.

You answered below!

Training camp and preseason serve a very different purpose for players at different stages of their careers or development. I think it is useful to consider three broad groups of participants: veterans, bubble guys, and prospects/projects/AHL depth. Veterans would refer to players whose spots are guaranteed for the upcoming year, which typically represents most of the eventual roster, ie: from EP40 on down to Cotter or Willander. Bubble guys means fringe NHL/AHL guys trying to stay above the line, or prospects ready to crack the big roster but who haven’t done so based on their track record. The last group is for younger players or AHL-destined guys who do not have a realistic chance to make the big squad, like a Rogowski or a Mynio or a Ty Young.

Members of all three groups have “something to prove.” Veterans, especially ones coming off a bad season, need to “prove” they’re healthy, fit, and ready for the season; however, all one-way contract vets also have the luxury of using training camp to focus on getting into their routines rather than to impress the coach. Players in the third category need to “prove” they are progressing in their development, and/or are worthy of a mid-season or injury callup. However, it’s a no-brainer to argue that it is the bubble guys who have the most to “prove” in the sense that they are trying to outcompete others for that coveted NHL job, by showing that they have worked hard in the off-season, grown their game and their body, and come to camp ready to materially improve the team. That helps us shrink the list of candidates with the most to “prove” quite a bit. This category thus consists of Sasson, Cootes, Lekkerimäki, Räty, Mueller, Bains, Mancini, and Kudryavtsev, give or take.

From that list, I think it’s pretty clear that the answer is Lekkerimäki. Here is a highly-touted, former 1st rounder who has plainly demonstrated that he has outgrown the AHL and SHL, with offensive skills and potential that are sorely needed on this team and franchise. However, a combination of injuries, bad luck and bad coaching have hampered him, alongside the fact that his slighter physical build precludes him from working his way up the depth chart as a grinder/energy type of player. In other words, he not only needs to beat out the other bubble players, he needs to displace someone from the top-six. This means showing not only improved speed and strength from last year, but also a continued growth in the ability to generate offence against other hard-charging NHL aspirants. That is a lot to ask from a short audition. At age 22, in his draft+5 season, the time is now for Lek. For the record, I happen to think he will make it.

In reality it is every single player.

This is a new regime with specific high standards for physical fitness, effort, etc.

No free passes.

No favouritism.

No guaranteed long-term spots on the team.

Failure to meet standards is a fast ticket out of town.

Chytil has the most to prove. Will he be healthy? Will he continue to be a centre or will he be JTM on the old Lotto Line?

Lekkerimäki is the guy this week.

The 15th overall pick drafted four years has yet to show that he can stick in the NHL. He needs to be able to avoid injury and work into a top-six spot to be successful. He has had success in the AHL, but needs to work that into the NHL.

If he doesn’t make it, then he is likely stuck as a tweener or headed elsewhere before the end of the season.

I’m not sold one way or the other on him yet. I can see he has skill and talent but he needs to be able to prove he can be consistent with what he has.

The clock is ticking on Lekkerimäki, his ELC contract expiring next summer and he’s in his D+5. This camp is his defining moment to prove he belongs in the NHL top-six.

I’ll take Aatu Räty for the win. Did he do anything this summer to improve his skating …?

Lekkerimäki by a country mile.

EP40 has the most to prove, although it’s a low bar. Can he show up in shape and can he leave without getting injured?

I’d hear what people are saying about Lekkerimäki, but I think his draft pedigree and injury history still provide him some breathing room. The one who I think is really on the knife edge is Räty. His time is now, because he has others pushing for his position and yet he will probably be given every chance to assert himself as the 3C.

Honorable mention to Mancini, who I have a lot of faith in.

54 years on…..?:
RJ. The most important change needed is “culture” and RJ has indicated that many times. Training camp is where walking the walk begins! What happens if players show up out of shape and not committed to the program? We are all watching…

The only thing this roster needs to prove is to help the team retain last place in the standings so that the Canucks can get a guaranteed top-three draft pick.

Lekkerimäki has the most to prove. He has done all he can do at the AHL level, now he needs to prove he can be an every day NHLr. If he can’t then the Canucks should cut their losses and trade him.

The new management has provided some reasonable clues on the kind of team they want to build. They seem to want to be bigger, faster and harder working. There are players who need to show right away they can fit into that vision.

Veterans always get more leeway. If they don’t fit, they will eventually be traded but that won’t be based solely on training camp performance.

Waiver-exempt players who tend to bring the least to meet that vision will get sent down pretty quickly.

There are many players that need to prove themselves such as EP40 or Lekkerimäki, but I am going to go with the likes of Bains and Tolopilo. They need to show that they want and belong and have ability to play onto this team to cement themselves as NHL players. Now is the time, and they will have the opportunity to prove themselves with the Canucks having a weaker roster than most teams. If they don’t, will another team pick them up on the waiver wire?

Can I say everyone? No? Ok, well obviously a few have some provin’ to do. EP40 has to show he actually cares and trained properly and came to camp prepared. Räty needs to show that the World’s Championship wasn’t a mirage. Chytil has to show he can survive a hit. DeBrusk has to prove he’s committed to this team. Lekkerimäki needs to show he’s fully recovered from surgery and hasn’t lost his shot and is/will be a top-six option. The BRO line all need to show they can continue being a positive Corsi line. Buium needs to show he’s ready for PP1. EP25 needs to show the sophomore slump was just that. Mancini needs to show he’s a better option than Schenn. Safonov needs to prove his game will translate to the NHL in order to get a look at 4C.

Petey. The guy who is paid like he is the team’s best player needs to come to camp in the best shape of his life. The best way to turn the corner is one step at a time, and that is the first one.

EP40, without a doubt.

nickmac89:
It’s got to be Lekkerimäki, right? He NEEDS to show he can play at the next level, and this opportunity will be as good as it gets. Stick him in a top-six role and see if he can make it work. I’m praying he can put up 20 goals without being a big defensive liability.

Akil Thomas…

I think he is the dark horse that will thrive in his new opportunity…

I think he will be the biggest surprise of camp as well, so if the next column is titled ” Who do you think will be the biggest surprise of camp?”, please just reprint my comment…

Thank you…

Thankyou very much…

A lot of candidates for sure. Demko, Chytil, Raty, Lekkerimäki, EP40. I’m going with Demko. I feel we are sort of being held hostage by Demko’s health issues. He’s an excellent goalie and I get it why we keep holding out hope. But one of these years we may have to end the collective suffering and move on. I hope he’s healthy and he will need to show that in training camp. If he’s even ready to go for training camp.