The Canucks' Surprising Lineup Decisions: A Tale of Two Centers
The Vancouver Canucks are experiencing a sluggish start to the 2025-26 season, winning only one of their first three games. While it's early days, some intriguing lineup choices by head coach Adam Foote are already making waves. In a recent article, Harman Dayal of The Athletic (https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6721685/2025/10/16/canucks-top-six-five-thoughts/) revealed that Foote has been utilizing Filip Chytil (https://www.hockey-reference.com/players/c/chytifi01.html?utmmedium=linker&utmsource=www.prohockeyrumors.com&utmcampaign=2025-10-16hr) in a manner more akin to a top-line center than the team's star, Elias Pettersson (https://www.hockey-reference.com/search/search.fcgi?pid=petteel01,petteel02&search=Elias+Pettersson&utmmedium=linker&utmsource=www.prohockeyrumors.com&utmcampaign=2025-10-16hr). This is a surprising development, considering Pettersson's status as the team's marquee player and his substantial contract.
Chytil, who has two goals this season, is seeing significantly more ice time than Pettersson, who has just one assist. This is a notable shift, especially considering Pettersson's stellar 2022-23 season with 102 points, in contrast to Chytil's career-high 45 points in the same season. But here's where it gets controversial: Pettersson's underwhelming performance last season, with only 45 points in 64 games, might be a factor in Foote's decision. Is the coach favoring Chytil due to Pettersson's recent struggles? It's a question that has Canucks fans buzzing.
In Other Western Conference News:
- Netminder Devin Cooley (https://www.hockey-reference.com/players/c/coolede01.html?utmmedium=linker&utmsource=www.prohockeyrumors.com&utmcampaign=2025-10-16hr) seized his opportunity in a crucial game against the Utah Mammoth, despite the Flames' 3-1 loss. Cooley's stellar performance, saving 29 of 31 shots, may have bought him more time to prove himself as the team's backup. And this is the part most people miss: the Flames' initial plan to seek outside acquisitions for the backup role might be put on hold, at least for now.
- The trade between the St. Louis Blues and Montreal Canadiens, involving young talents Zachary Bolduc (https://www.hockey-reference.com/players/b/bolduza01.html?utmmedium=linker&utmsource=www.prohockeyrumors.com&utmcampaign=2025-10-16hr) and Logan Mailloux (https://www.hockey-reference.com/players/m/mailllo01.html?utmmedium=linker&utmsource=www.prohockeyrumors.com&utmcampaign=2025-10-16hr), is off to an uneven start. While Bolduc is settling well in Montreal, Mailloux is facing challenges in St. Louis, with a minus-seven rating and no points in four games. However, it's important to remember that defensemen often require more time to adjust, and the Blues organization remains confident in Mailloux's potential.
What do you think about the Canucks' lineup choices? Is Foote's strategy a bold move or a risky gamble? Share your thoughts in the comments below, and let's spark a lively discussion!
