Multiple Canucks Could Lose Their 2026 Calder Trophy Eligibility Before The End Of The Season

With eight games remaining, the Vancouver Canucks are in an uphill battle to qualify for the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs. At this point, it is likely the Canucks will need to win at least seven of their final games, as the teams above them in standings keep collecting points on a nightly basis. While returning to the post-season isn't likely, it is not an impossible task, especially as Vancouver plays six of their final eight games at home. 

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With most of the attention focused on the playoff race, an interesting storyline has emerged in terms of Calder Trophy eligibility for the 2025-26 season. The Canucks currently has four players on their roster who could lose their eligibility by the end of the campaign. While losing eligibility is not the end of the world, it does show how much Vancouver has relied on young players who have spent time in the AHL this season. 

Before looking at the four players, it is important to give a refresher on the eligibility rules for the Calder Trophy. According to the NHL, "To be eligible for the Calder Memorial Trophy, a player cannot have played more than 25 games in any single preceding season nor in six or more games in each of any two preceding seasons in any major professional league. Beginning in 1990-91, a player must not have attained his 26th birthday by Sept. 15 of the season in which he is eligible."

Victor Mancini is the player most likely to lose eligibility first. The 22-year-old has already played 24 games and will most likely play his 25th either on Saturday or Sunday. While he has been a healthy scratch for the past few games, it is unlikely that he won't get to 26 games by the end of the season.

Up next is Jonathan Lekkerimäki, who is up to 22 games. Lekkerimäki is expected to play game number 23 against the Seattle Kraken on Wednesday and should be at 25 before the end of the road trip. While it is likely that Lekkerimäki will hit 26 games, it is not a guarantee and could depend on when Nils Höglander and center Elias Pettersson return to the lineup.

Next is defenceman Elias Pettersson, who has played 20 games this season. When looking at the schedule, it is possible that Pettersson could play six of the eight games but may not get to that number if the club wants to rotate Manicni in. In the end, it may take an injury for Pettersson to hit the 26-game mark, meaning it is likely that he will be eligible next season. 

The fourth and final player is Linus Karlsson, who is currently at 19 games played. While Karlsson will turn 26 next season, he will still be eligible, as his birthday isn't until November 16. Just like Pettersson, it is possible he plays seven of the last eight games, but will most likely keep his eligibility for 2025-26. 

The Canucks kick off April with a battle on Wednesday against the Kraken. While Seattle has been eliminated from playoff contention, this will not be an easy game, as many players on the Kraken are playing for jobs next season. Puck drop is scheduled for 7:30 pm PT from Rogers Arena. 

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