The Vancouver Canucks enter the upcoming National Hockey League campaign operating without a designated captain on their sweaters, filling the leadership gap with Filip Hronek, Linus Karlsson, Drew O’Connor, Zeev Buium, Brock Boeser, and Elias Pettersson sharing alternate captain duties across home and away fixtures.
Home and Away Leadership Splits for the Vancouver Canucks
When playing in front of their home crowd, defenceman Filip Hronek and forwards Linus Karlsson and Drew O’Connor will wear the ‘A’ on their jerseys. Meanwhile, when the club hits the road, defenceman Zeev Buium alongside forwards Brock Boeser and Elias Pettersson will take over the alternate captain responsibilities.
This split-squad leadership model bridges the gap left by the departure of star defenceman Quinn Hughes. Hughes served as the team captain until he was traded to the Minnesota Wild in December 2025, leaving the ‘C’ vacant as the team opens.
Veteran Stances and New Faces in the Leadership Group
Among the six alternate captains, Brock Boeser stands out as the longest-serving veteran in the locker room. Boeser is preparing to skate in his 10th season with the Canucks, having originally been selected 23rd overall in the 2015 NHL Draft. He has worn an alternate captain’s patch since the 2024-25 season.
Elias Pettersson joined the leadership group ahead of the 2023-24 campaign, while Filip Hronek was added to the rotation starting last season. For Zeev Buium, Drew O’Connor, and Linus Karlsson, wearing the letter marks a brand-new responsibility as they step into official leadership roles for the first time in their Vancouver careers.
https://x.com/Canucks/status/2105106625635959173
Zeev Buium Steps In After the Quinn Hughes Trade
Zeev Buium arrived in Vancouver as part of the return package from the Minnesota Wild in the trade involving Quinn Hughes. Showing immediate faith in the young blueliner, the franchise signed the 20-year-old defenceman to a massive eight-year contract extension worth $75.04 million at the beginning of September.
Opening Night Matchup Against the Edmonton Oilers
Vancouver will put its new leadership structure to the test immediately when the puck drops on the new season. Catch the Canucks face the Edmonton Oilers on the road in their first game on Tuesday night at 7 p.m. PT / 8 p.m. MT on Sportsnet and Sportsnet+.
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