By Andrew Phillip Chernoff | CanucksBanter
July 3, 2026
Canucks’ New Depth Forward: Who is Matthew Stienburg?
Vancouver Canucks General Manager Ryan Johnson announced July 2, that the Canucks has agreed to terms with forward Matthew Stienburg on a one-year, two-way contract.
Matthew Stienburg is signed to a 1 year, $850,000 contract with a cap hit of $850,000 per season, playing for the Vancouver Canucks. His contract expires at the end of the 2026-27 season, making Stienburg an Unrestricted Free Agent (Group 6).
Stienburg, 25, appeared in eight games with the Colorado Eagles (AHL) in 2025.26, recording three points (2-1-3) and 11 penalty minutes.
The 6’1”, 182lbs forward has appeared in eight career NHL games, all with the Colorado Avalanche, registering 22 penalty minutes.
In 71 career AHL games across four seasons, all with the Colorado Eagles, Stienburg has posted 20 points (8-12-20), 81 penalty minutes, and a +2 plus/minus rating.
In seven career Calder Cup Playoff games, he has one assist, six penalty minutes, and a +1 plus/minus rating.
Prior to beginning his professional career, the Halifax, Nova Scotia native spent four seasons at Cornell University, appearing in 73 games and scoring 46 points (20-26-46), adding 93 penalty minutes and a +21 plus/minus rating.
Stienburg was originally selected by the Colorado Avalanche in the third round, 63rd overall, in the 2019 NHL Entry Draft.
Profile
| Attribute | Detail |
| Age | 25 (Born October 7, 2000) |
| Hometown | Halifax, Nova Scotia |
| Position | Center / Right Wing |
| Shoots | Right |
| Height / Weight | 6’1″ / 182 lbs |
| Drafted | 2019, Round 3 (#63 overall) by the Colorado Avalanche |
| Current Contract | 1-year, two-way ($850,000 NHL / $160,000 AHL) signed July 2, 2026 |
Skills & Talents
- Positional Versatility: Stienburg is highly adaptable and capable of slotting in naturally at both center and the wing.
- Physical Engagement: He plays a high-energy game, willingly throwing the body, battling in the corners, and dropping the gloves to spark his team.
Scouting Report
Stienburg is a gritty, high-motor forward built for a checking-line role. The son of former NHL first-round pick Trevor Stienburg, Matthew plays with a noticeable edge and isn’t afraid to mix it up in the difficult areas of the ice.
While he was a solid producer in the prep circuit and during his tenure at Cornell University, his offensive game has not translated to the professional ranks.
At the pro level, he projects as a defense-first agitator who relies heavily on his work ethic, forechecking, and physicality rather than high-end puck skills.
Strengths & Weaknesses
Strengths:
- Physicality: Brings a rugged, agitating presence to the bottom six and does not shy away from contact.
- Versatility: His ability to move seamlessly between the middle and the wing gives coaching staffs lineup flexibility. Sports Forecaster
- Pedigree: Coming from a hockey family, he understands the professional environment and the sacrifices required to carve out a role as a depth player.
Weaknesses:
- Extensive Injury History: Health is his biggest red flag. He has suffered significant shoulder injuries and has only played 21 professional games over the past two seasons combined. Canucks Army
- Offensive Ceiling: He lacks the dynamic puck skills and playmaking ability to contribute consistently on the scoresheet at the AHL or NHL levels.
- Discipline: His physical, on-the-edge style can sometimes cross the line, leading to costly penalties or supplemental discipline (such as his two-game NHL suspension for charging in late 2024).
- Strength: Despite his physical style, he could still afford to add functional muscle to handle the heavy toll of a full professional season.
Evaluation & Organizational Fit
Stienburg is a low-risk, high-compete depth signing for Ryan Johnson’s front office. Should he see NHL ice time, his willingness to play a fast, heavy, north-south game aligns well with the structural identity Manny Malhotra is looking to establish in Vancouver.
As the front office continues navigating the path back to playoff contention, filling out the Abbotsford roster with competitive, low-maintenance depth during this July 2026 free agency window is a functional necessity.
Stienburg represents a low-risk depth swing. If he can manage to stay healthy, he provides immediate internal competition down the middle for players like Riley Patterson, Ty Mueller, and Chase Wouters in the AHL. Should injuries hit the main roster, he offers the coaching staff a versatile checking option who can be called up to Vancouver in a pinch to provide a quick physical spark on the fourth line.
Ultimately, however, Stienburg is destined for Abbotsford, where he will be expected to bring energy, protect younger prospects, and stay healthy enough to serve as reliable bottom-six depth.
Until next time, hockey fans