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Vancouver Canucks have raised eyebrows across the NHL after unveiling a projected lineup that includes a significant shake-up ahead of tonight’s clash with the Toronto Maple Leafs.
With the team looking to halt a difficult stretch on the road, head coach Adam Foote has opted for bold changes that signal urgency as well as accountability.
Vancouver Canucks searching for a reset on road trip
Vancouver enters tonight’s Hockey Night in Canada matchup having dropped the first two games of its six-game road trip, falling to the Buffalo Sabres and Detroit Red Wings.
The timing of the lineup overhaul is notable, especially with the Maple Leafs arriving in strong form after winning six of their last eight games.
In response to recent struggles, the Canucks used Saturday morning’s skate at Scotiabank Arena to trial new combinations across all four forward lines, sending a clear message that no roster spot is guaranteed.
Evander Kane demoted after tough stretch
The most surprising decision involves veteran forward Evander Kane, who has been demoted to the fourth line. Kane has endured a difficult season and is currently mired in a scoring slump, with his most recent goal coming back on December 16 against the New York Rangers.
His reduced role follows a telling moment in the previous game versus Boston, when he did not see the ice late in the third period.
“Evander Kane did not play the final 9:39 of the third period. Unless there's an injury, Foote looks to have benched the veteran forward,” Tyson Cole of Vancouver Canucks Army said.
Tonight, Kane is expected to skate alongside Aatu Raty and Nils Hoglander, a significant drop in responsibility for the 34-year-old winger.
Youth movement headlines forward changes
While Kane slides down the lineup, younger players have been rewarded. Linus Karlsson, who has three points in five games this January, has earned a promotion to the top line alongside Elias Pettersson and Jake DeBrusk.
Liam Ohgren, acquired in last month’s Quinn Hughes trade, continues his upward trajectory and is slated to play in the top six with Max Sasson and Brock Boeser.
The third line will feature Drew O’Connor, David Kampf, and Kiefer Sherwood, whose name has circulated heavily in trade rumors.
Defensive pairings and goaltending decision
The defensive group also features notable pairings, with Marcus Pettersson skating alongside Filip Hronek on the top unit. Zeev Buium will line up with Tyler Myers, while Elias Pettersson is projected to partner with Tom Willander.
In goal, Thatcher Demko is set to make his 20th start of the 2025–26 season. The netminder is coming off a challenging outing against Buffalo, where he surrendered four goals on 19 shots, and will be tasked with steadying Vancouver Canucks against a potent Toronto offense.
With pressure mounting and playoff positioning in mind, Vancouver’s unexpected lineup decisions underscore the importance of tonight’s contest.
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