thehockeynews.com – CanucksBanter

By Andrew Chernoff

September 2, 2025

One potential free-agent choice is the solution to round out the defense. That choice is former Pittsburgh Penguins puck-mover Matt Grzelcyk. The 31-year-old defenseman had his best offensive season in Pittsburgh last year. He registered one goal and 39 assists in 82 regular-season contests. He’s coming off a one-year, $2.5 million deal with the Penguins, but he remains available on the open market as training camps near. si.com

One player who is still unsigned heading into the 2025-26 season is center Robby Fabbri. The 29-year-old spent last season with the Anaheim Ducks, but only played in 44 games due to injury. The Canucks do have a full roster heading into training camp. Still, signing Fabbri to a PTO is a smart move for the organization. Adam Kierszenblat thehockeynews.com

Patrik Allvin and the team’s management staff have their sights set on the 2025-26 season right now. Nonetheless, there’s no question that they already have an eye on the 2026 NHL free agent class. This class includes some stars, like Kirill Kaprizov of the Minnesota Wild. He is reportedly not close to agreeing to an extension. Edward Jaxon, canucksdaily.com

Remember Canucks fans, all is not as it seems. Things aren’t always as they are on the surface. There are hidden truths or deeper realities beneath what is instantly visible.

Until next time, hockey fans

1. Taylor Heise, F (USA) – Heise immediately made herself known with the USA’s senior national team, helping set up five goals. She controlled the puck, showed patience, and effectively dished as her teammates entered open ice. An impressive debut for the 22-year-old. The tournament MVP at the U-18 World Championship in 2018, Heise is already showing her game can transfer to the next level.

2. Marie-Philip Poulin, F (CAN) – Canada’s top player against Finland, Poulin showed the trademark attributes that make her the best in the game. On the power play, she fed a shot-pass directly to Sarah Nurse’s tape for a tip to open the scoring, and then tallied the game-winning goal herself later in the first. Throughout the game, her patience in zone entries and ability to vary her own attack created chances. She still looks like she’s playing at a level above the competition.

3. Anni Keisala, G (FIN) – Facing 43 shots, things could have been much worse for the Finns against Canada without Keisela stepping into the net. Many questioned the Finnish direction when she replaced Noora Raty before the 2021 World Championship. Keisala answered by being named the tournament’s best goaltender and has continued her stellar play. She stopped several point blank chances by the Canadians, and slowed the pace for Finland when they repeatedly found themselves pinned in their own end. Despite the loss, Keisala is off to an excellent start.