Canucks Veterans Teddy Blueger and Derek Forbort Set to Test Free Agency

The Vancouver Canucks are bracing for potential departures as veterans Teddy Blueger and Derek Forbort are expected to explore free agency when the window opens on July 1. This news, reported by CHEK TV’s Rick Dhaliwal, marks a significant moment for the franchise, which has seen both players contribute over their recent contracts.

Blueger, who faced an injury-riddled season, managed to appear in 35 games for the Canucks during the 2025-26 campaign. Despite his limited time on the ice, he showcased his offensive skills by netting nine goals and adding eight assists. His performance made him a notable trade candidate ahead of the 2026 NHL Trade Deadline. Originally joining Vancouver during the 2023-24 season, Blueger tied his career-high with 22 assists in a single season while also scoring six goals across 68 games.

In 2024, he signed a contract extension that kept him with the Canucks for two additional years at an average annual value of $1.8 million. His progression within the team has made his potential exit all the more impactful as the organization gears up for the off-season.

Derek Forbort’s situation is markedly different. He played in only two games this season due to an injury that did not heal as anticipated. Before this setback, Forbort was a reliable presence for Vancouver during the 2024-25 season, where he appeared in 54 games, contributing two goals and nine assists while establishing himself as a key penalty killer. His experience spans multiple franchises, including the Boston Bruins, Winnipeg Jets, Calgary Flames, and Los Angeles Kings, before he signed consecutive one-year deals with the Canucks.

As the team looks ahead, they also have several other pending unrestricted free agents, including forwards Evander Kane, Curtis Douglas, and Joseph LaBate, as well as defenseman Guillaume Brisebois and goaltender Jiří Patera. The off-season promises to be pivotal as the Canucks navigate their roster and the impacts of these potential changes.

Note: This recap is an independently written summary based on publicly available reporting.