NHL teams can now sign junior players to Entry-Level Contracts that start during the 2026-27 season.
As of March 1, 2026, NHL teams can start signing players currently in junior hockey to Entry-Level Contracts that start in 2026-27. The Seattle Kraken and Vegas Golden Knights have already jumped on this opportunity, as each signed a player currently playing in the WHL. While Vegas signed a drafted prospect in Alex Weiermair, Seattle brought in 20-year-old Ryden Evers, who was an undrafted free agent.
The WHL free agent market is the perfect opportunity for the Vancouver Canucks to add young, Canadian talent from the WHL. Vancouver has signed undrafted free agents from the CHL before, with the most notable being Arshdeep Bains back in 2022. With the signing window now open, here are three 20-year-old Canadians currently playing in the WHL that the Canucks could sign.
Defenceman Carter Sotheran, Edmonton Oil Kings
Carter Sotherans name may sound familiar as he was drafted by the Philadelphia Flyers in 2023. The Flyers elected to let his rights expiry, which is why he is avaliable for any team that wants to add a 6'4", right-shot defenceman to their organization. Sotheran has thrived this season with 63 points in 60 games and is currently on a loaded Edmonton Oil Kings' team that is one of the favourites to win the WHL this season.
Forward Shane Smith, Kelowna Rockets
As for a player already scheduled to play in the Memorial Cup, that would be Shane Smith of the Kelowna Rockets. The 20-year-old has done nothing but score since arriving in Kelowna, as he has 15 goals and 38 points in 32 games. Listed at 6'2", 205 lbs, Smith is a versitile forward who can impact the game both physically and on the scoresheet.
Shane Smith of the Kelowna Rockets (Photo Credit: Steve Dunsmoor/Kelowna Rockets/WHL)Forward Kooper Gizowski, Prince George Couagrs
Kooper Gizowski is having a strong final season in the WHL. The 20-year-old is up to 67 points in 59 games and has already surpassed the 30 goal mark for the year. Listed at 5'10", 168 lbs, Gizowski is expected to play a signifcant role for the Prince George Cougars in the upcoming 2026 WHL Playoffs.
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