Vitali Kravtsov Makes Return to the Canucks
Vitali Kravtsov has made a return to North America, signing a one-year deal with the Vancouver Canucks after spending the past two seasons in the Kontinental Hockey League (KHL). During his time in Russia, Kravtsov played for Traktor Chelyabinsk, where he recorded 45 goals and 92 points in 121 games. His performance was impressive enough to earn him a spot back in the NHL.
The Canucks acquired Kravtsov on February 23, 2023, from the New York Rangers in exchange for William Lockwood and a seventh-round pick in the 2026 Draft. However, he only appeared in 16 games with the Canucks before heading back to Russia for the 2023-24 season. In that season, he achieved a career-high of 27 goals and 58 points, along with six playoff goals as his team reached the Gagarin Cup Final.
Now 25 years old, Kravtsov is looking to prove himself in the NHL once again. He signed a one-year, two-way contract, which means he could play in the American Hockey League (AHL) if needed. This move represents a shift from his previous approach with the Rangers, where he had limited options between the NHL and Russia.
Kravtsov’s return to the Canucks comes at a crucial time. The team is hoping he can refine his game and become an impact player. While he has shown flashes of potential in his 64 games with the Rangers and Canucks, he has yet to fully realize his capabilities. His previous attempts to reset his career, such as holding out as a restricted free agent in 2021-22, did not yield the desired results.
With this new contract, the Canucks are taking a low-risk approach, potentially reaping high rewards. There is hope that Kravtsov could become another successful player like Andrei Kuzmenko, who has made a significant impact in recent seasons.
Elias Pettersson Aims for a Strong Comeback
Elias Pettersson is determined to bounce back from what many consider his worst season. After a challenging 2024-25 campaign, where he managed only 15 goals and 45 points, Pettersson has expressed a desire for “revenge.” His interview with Peter Ekholm on NHL.com highlighted his motivation to return to the form that made him one of the league’s top centers.
Pettersson has been working hard during the offseason, focusing on improving his fitness and conditioning. He mentioned that he has put on some muscle and is now able to train without the limitations of injuries. “I’ve been healthy and have been able to practice at full speed,” he said. “Right now I don’t have any injuries that kept me off workouts.”
His efforts have already started to show, with reports of him looking broader and more physically imposing. Fans are hopeful that these changes will translate into better performance on the ice. As the Canucks’ de facto number-one center, Pettersson will be expected to lead the offensive charge. If he can combine his agility, accurate wrist shot, and power-play skills, it could significantly boost the team’s overall performance.
Wilson Bjorck Shines at the World Junior Summer Showcase
Wilson Bjorck made a strong impression at the 2025 World Junior Summer Showcase, standing out for Team Sweden. Despite an injury that limited Braeden Cootes’ participation, Bjorck delivered a solid performance, scoring a goal and recording five assists for six points. His playmaking abilities and strong two-way game were key factors in his success.
Bjorck’s performance at the showcase has positioned him as a candidate for the Swedish roster for the 2026 World Juniors. Now, he will face new challenges as a freshman at Colorado College, competing against higher-level competition than he experienced in Sweden’s junior leagues.
Canucks’ Training Camp Approaches
As the Vancouver Canucks prepare for their training camp, excitement is building among fans. The camp will take place in Penticton from September 18 to 21, with prospects set to participate in the inaugural Prospects Showcase against the Seattle Kraken on September 13. This event will be held at the Angel of Winds Arena, while next year’s showcase will move to the Abbotsford Centre.
Rosters for the event have yet to be announced, but players like Braeden Cootes, Tom Willander, Jonathan Lekkerimaki, and Alexei Medvedev are expected to be part of the lineup. This is a crucial opportunity for young talent to make an impression and potentially secure a spot on the team.