A preview of Canucks defenceman Jamie Oleksiak's 2026-27 season.
Welcome to The Hockey News - Vancouver Canucks site’s 2026–27 player preview article series. This series will outline the expectations for every player projected to play for the Canucks during the 2026–27 season. Today’s player is Canucks defenceman Jamie Oleksiak.
Oleksiak's 2025–26 Season
Oleksiak played the 2025-26 campaign with the Seattle Kraken. The 33-year-old skated in 78 games and recorded 15 points. Throughout the season, Oleksiak averaged 16:56 of ice time per night and ranked third on the Kraken with 112 hits.
Last season, Oleksiak was a pain to play against for Vancouver. He recorded three points in four games against the Canucks, which included a game-winning goal. Oleksiak also dished out five hits while blocking four shots.
On July 1, Oleksiak signed a two-year contract with Vancouver. The deal carries an AAV of $5 million and included a 12-team no-trade clause. As of writing, Oleksiak has the second-highest cap hit among Canucks defencemen, with Filip Hronek the only defender above him.
Oleksiak's 2026–27 Predictions
Oleksiak brings plenty of size and experience to Vancouver's blue line. Listed at 6'7", 252 lbs, he has played 758 regular-season games and recorded 1,449 hits. Based on the Canucks' current roster, Oleksiak should see plenty of time on the penalty kill and late in games when Vancouver has the lead.
As for his five-on-five partner, the most likely option is Tom Willander. Oleksiak profiles as a defensive defenceman, which should allow Willander more opportunities to join the rush. Oleksiak can also be a good mentor for Willander both on and off the ice.
Finally, Oleksiak should help the Canucks when it comes to standing up for teammates. Over his career, the left-shot defender hasn't been shy about dropping the gloves or getting involved in scrums after the whistle. Ultimately, Oleksiak should make Vancouver a tougher team to play against compared to previous seasons.
Bold prediction: Oleksiak scores against Seattle at Climate Pledge Arena this season.
Mar 14, 2026; Vancouver, British Columbia, CAN; Seattle Kraken defenseman Jamie Oleksiak (24) skates against the Vancouver Canucks in the second period at Rogers Arena. Mandatory Credit: Bob Frid-Imagn ImagesCanucks 2026–27 Player Previews:
Make sure you bookmark THN's Vancouver Canucks site and add us to your favourites on Google News for the latest news, exclusive interviews, breakdowns, and so much more. Also, don't forget to leave a comment at the bottom of the page and engage with other passionate fans through our forum. This article originally appeared on The Hockey News.
Latest From THN’s Vancouver Canucks Site:
For action-packed issues, access to the entire magazine archive and a free issue, subscribe to The Hockey News at THN.com/free. Get the latest news and trending stories by subscribing to our newsletter here. And share your thoughts by commenting below the article on THN.com or creating your own post in our community forum.
The Hockey News