Canucks Face Kraken in Friday Night Showdown at Rogers Arena

Vancouver, British Columbia — The Vancouver Canucks are set to kick off their 2025-26 season with a home game against their rivals, the Seattle Kraken, on Friday night at Rogers Arena. This matchup follows two preseason games already played, one in Seattle and another against the Calgary Flames in Abbotsford.

This game promises the strongest NHL lineup seen so far this preseason, featuring key players like Elias Pettersson, Jake DeBrusk, and Quinn Hughes. Fans are especially eager to see Evander Kane, a Vancouver native, as he plays his first game in a Canucks jersey. Kane is entering his 17th NHL season and is determined to get accustomed to the fast pace of NHL hockey during the preseason.

Morning skate practice revealed the Canucks’ top line will consist of Jake DeBrusk, Elias Pettersson, and Brock Boeser. The second line will see Braeden Cootes at center, flanked by Evander Kane and Jonathan Lekkerimäki. Quinn Hughes pairs with Filip Hronek on defense. Assistant coach Brett McLean confirmed that Kevin Lankinen will start as goalie, while his workload will be managed by goaltending coach Marko Torenius.

The game is scheduled to begin at 7:00 p.m. PT and can be watched on Sportsnet. Fans can also tune in to Brendan Batchelor on Sportsnet 650 and the Sportsnet Radio Network for live commentary.