Filip Chytil will be in the Vancouver Canucks' lineup for a second-straight preseason game, as his team takes on the Calgary Flames in Abbotsford on September 24, 2025.
The Vancouver Canucks are set to face the Calgary Flames at the Abbotsford Centre on Wednesday. This marks their second preseason game. Fans can expect a more balanced lineup than in their opening game.
In their first matchup, the Canucks dressed a very young defensive group. Several prospects faced the tough Seattle Kraken to test their readiness. For the Flames clash, veteran defencemen Marcus Pettersson and Tyler Myers will join the squad, offering guidance to the young players.
Thatcher Demko is expected to start in goal for at least part of the game, giving the Canucks’ defensive prospects added support. Forward lines will remain largely AHL-heavy, with Nils Höglander, Filip Chytil, and likely Aatu Räty as the only locks for opening-day NHL spots.
Canucks Defensive Prospects Get a Test
Three Canucks prospects—Tom Willander, Kirill Kudryavtsev, and Victor Mancini—will feature on the blue line. They are competing for what is likely one roster spot.
Willander will pair with Pettersson, giving coaches a glimpse of how the top prospect meshes with the veteran. Kudryavtsev, playing on his natural left side for the first time this camp, will be paired with Myers. This pairing could see NHL action if injuries strike the defense.
Mancini will play alongside minor-league veteran Nikolai Knyzhov. After a strong preseason debut, Mancini needs to replicate that performance to stay ahead in the competition.
Canucks Forward Lines Shaping Up
Conor Garland will miss the game due to a minor injury, though it isn’t serious. Coach Adam Foote reassured fans he would have played in a regular-season opener.
Projected Canucks lines:
- Line 1: Nils Höglander – Filip Chytil – Mackenzie MacEachern
Höglander and Chytil aim to build chemistry for a potential second line alongside Evander Kane. - Line 2: Arshdeep Bains – Max Sasson – Linus Karlsson
Familiarity among these three forwards could give them an edge in the bottom-six competition. - Line 3: Vitali Kravtsov – Aatu Räty – Chase Stillman
This line blends returning NHL hopefuls with young talent seeking a roster spot. - Line 4: Joe LaBate – Nils Åman – Vilmer Alriksson
While expected to start in the AHL, these players’ size and skill may make them impactful in preseason play.
Thatcher Demko will start in goal, with Nikita Tolopilo as backup. The team may swap goalies mid-game to manage Demko’s preseason workload.
Flames Lineup: Young and Hungry
The Calgary Flames will field a young lineup in Abbotsford. Joel Farabee, Connor Zary, and Martin Pospisil are the closest to top-six forwards. The rest of the roster includes prospects eager to impress, making the Flames a dangerous opponent even in the preseason.
Projected Flames lines:
- Connor Zary – Rory Kerins – Martin Pospisil
- Joel Farabee – Sam Morton – Samuel Honzek
- Andrew Basha – Clark Bishop – Dryden Hunt
- Aydar Suniev – Carter King – Hunter Laing
Defensive pairs: Joel Hanley – Hunter Brzustewicz, Jake Bean – Jeremie Poirier, Ettienne Morin – Daniil Miromanov.
Ivan Prosvetov starts in goal, returning from a KHL season with a .920 save percentage. Devin Cooley will serve as backup.
Game Info
Puck drop is scheduled for 7:00 p.m. at the Abbotsford Centre. Tickets are still available, priced between $62 and $88. Fans can also stream the game on the Canucks’ website.
This game offers a key look at the Canucks lines, prospects, and potential NHL contributors. Both teams aim to find chemistry and sharpen their rosters before the regular season.
