The Canucks made six picks over the two days of the NHL draft, most notably selecting C Braden Cootes 15th overall. The Canucks also selected goaltender Alexei Medvedev, and forwards Kieran Dervin, Wilson Bjorck, Gabriel Chiarot and Matthew Lansing.
Canucks stock up on centers
Coming in the draft, the Canucks focus was on acquiring a top 6 center. While they were unable to acquire one via trade on draft weekend, they selected several centers in the draft. The Canucks drafted four centers, including 15th overall pick Braden Cootes.
Introducing the #Canucks 2025 NHL Draft class❗️ pic.twitter.com/hzxAg3rnGA
— Vancouver Canucks (@Canucks) June 28, 2025
Canucks complete trade with Blackhawks
The team also announced the acquisition of Ilya Safonov from the Chicago Blackhawks in exchange for future considerations.
Safonov, 24, was a 6th-round pick of Chicago back in 2021 and has spent the last four seasons with Kazan Ak-Bars in the KHL. In 51 games last season, Safonov put up 7 goals and 22 points.
General Manager Patrik Allvin announced today that the #Canucks have acquired forward Ilya Safonov from the Chicago Blackhawks in exchange for future considerations.
— Vancouver Canucks (@Canucks) June 28, 2025
DETAILS | https://t.co/FJ4fxAlbnc pic.twitter.com/Gt3LufsmLI
The Canucks will continue to gauge the trade market for a top 6 forward while also looking ahead to free agency starting July 1st.