Schenn's days of being an intimidating presence on the blueline are likely behind him, but he remains a viable bottom-pair option and adds a veteran presence to the Vancouver Canucks. The 36-year-old defenseman recorded seven points (1G / 6A) and 149 hits in 50 games last season, split between the Winnipeg Jets and Buffalo Sabres.
Brisebois has played primarily in the AHL since turning pro in 2017-18. The 28-year-old has made in appearance in the NHL in five seasons since 2019, compiling three points (1G / 2A) across 30 games. Most recently, he had one goal and one assist in nine AHL games with Abbotsford.
After 14 seasons in Montreal, Brandan Gallagher has had his wish fulfilled and has been moved to Vancouver (50% salary retention) from Montreal for future considerations on Monday. The 34-year-old scrappy forward was a healthy scratch for the majority of the 2025-26 Stanley Cup Playoffs and will look for a new start in Vancouver after just seven goals, 23 points and 39 PIMs in 77 games last season.
After a succesful second half of the season in Abbotsford (AHL), Cole Clayton has signed a one-year, two-way extension to remain with the Canucks organization. The 26-year-old defensemen has yet to appear in the NHL but has five impressive AHL seasons under his belt. In 65 games played in 2025-26 with both Cleveland and Abbotsford, he had two goals, 11 points and 48 PIMs.
With the Sabres entering a pivotal Game Four, down 2-1 to the Montreal Canadiens, they will make some roster adjustments, with Luke Schenn drawing in for Logan Stanley. The 36-year-old Schenn has yet to play this postseason and was used sparingly down the stretch in the regular season. In just four games with the Sabres this season, Schenn averaged 12:47 time-on-ice, recording three blocks and 10 hits.
Joe Veleno will draw into Montreal's lineup for Game One against the Buffalo Sabres, sending Gallagher to the sidelines as a healthy scratch. The 34-year-old Gallagher made his 2025-26 postseason debut in Game Four against the Tampa Bay Lightning. He is averaging 6:25 time-on-ice and has one goal through three games in the playoffs.
Oliver Kapanen will be a healthy scratch in Game Five, allowing Gallagher to draw into the lineup for his postseason debut. The 33-year-old Gallagher averaged 12:21 time-on-ice and scored 23 points (7G / 16A) in 77 games this season. He has 33 points (13G / 20A) in 76 career playoff games.
Merilainen has played well in the AHL as of late and figures to serve as Ottawa's third goalie throughout the postseason. Merilainen has gone 8-8-1 with a 2.77 GAA and .909 SV% in 19 AHL games, bu struggled with Ottawa, posting an 8-10-1 record, 3.51 GAA and .860 SV% in 20 games.
The Canucks will finish the 2025-26 season in last place, but will try to end on a high note, turning to Lankinen to tend the twine against the Edmonton Oilers. The 30-year-old Finnish goalie was solid in his previous outing, saving 31 of 34 shots (.912 SV%) in a 4-3 overtime win over the Los Angeles Kings. He has three wins in his last four games (3-1-0), but has an ugly 3.75 GAA and .884 SV% to go with it. The Canucks enter Thursday's contest as sizeable +270 road underdogs against an Oilers team trying to secure home-ice advantage in the first round of the playoffs.
With two games remaining in the regular season and last-place locked up, the Canucks will play for pride on Tuesday, turning to Lankinen to tend the twine against the Los Angeles Kings. The 30-year-old Finnish goalie was solid in his previous outing, saving 28 of 31 shots (.903 SV%) in a 4-3 shootout win over the San Jose Sharks. It has been a frustrating season for Lankinen, but he has recorded consecutive wins for the second time this season, despite posting an ugly 4.32 GAA and .852 SV%. The Canucks enter Tuesday's contest as +134 home underdogs against a Kings team that is 6-0-1 in their last seven games.