Ohgren, a 22-year-old sophomore acquired by Vancouver in a December trade from the Minnesota Wild, beat veteran goaltender Kevin Lankinen on consecutive shots to highlight the team’s training camp performance.
Liam Ohgren Drives Canucks Top-Six Ambitions After Strong Camp Showing
The progression of Liam Ohgren highlights how quickly a player can transform a fresh start into an expanded role. After failing to register a point in 18 games with the Minnesota Wild, the former first-round pick was sent to Vancouver as part of the Quinn Hughes blockbuster trade. He subsequently contributed eight goals and 18 points across 51 games for the Canucks.
Over the final 28 games of the season, Ohgren averaged 16:02 of ice time, ranking fifth among Vancouver forwards. During Saturday’s 30-minute scrimmage, which ended in a 4-3 win for the Whites over the Blues following a Brock Boeser shootout goal, Ohgren’s chemistry with linemates Boeser and centre Marco Rossi was immediately apparent.
“I’ve always been a guy that helps the team win with goals and points,” Ohgren said after the scrimmage, noting that his shooting mechanics are the product of years of practice outside his family home in Stockholm. “I’ve always been a top-six guy. Even when I started lower down in the lineup, I’ve always worked my way up in previous years in Sweden.”
Luke Schenn Emerges as Core Leader Under New Coaching Staff
Beyond the younger skaters, 36-year-old stay-at-home defenceman Luke Schenn has quickly cemented his status as a central leadership figure since signing as a free agent on July 1. Schenn drew widespread cheers from fans and teammates during Saturday’s scrimmage by scoring top-corner in the shootout against goaltender Ty Young.
“My last shootout attempt was 2008, pre-season against Manny Legace,” Schenn told Sportsnet. “That’s a fact. So I guess nobody’s got a book on me.”
As head coach Manny Malhotra and general manager Ryan Johnson implement new systems, Schenn has embraced the task of mentoring younger players. “Guys are working, competing,” Schenn stated regarding his early impressions of camp. “There is lots of information that guys are digesting on the fly with the system and not only the way Manny wants us to play, but his terminology and how he operates.”
Chris Driedger Evaluates Professional Tryout Opportunity Amid Thatcher Demko Absence
The health status of starting goaltender Thatcher Demko, who is not yet ready to practise fully following major hip surgeries in February, has created an opening for veteran Chris Driedger. The 32-year-old journeyman signed a professional tryout agreement with the Canucks on August 27 after playing in Russia last season.
Driedger allowed two goals while playing half of Saturday’s scrimmage. “That was kind of the idea, that there might be an opportunity here,” Driedger said of his decision to sign the PTO. “I feel good out there. I’m just trying to be consistent, be reliable. That’s kind of how I built my career.” Having logged 67 NHL games primarily with the Seattle Kraken, Driedger noted that the Canucks’ management has established clear, demanding standards across the roster.
Elias Pettersson Responds to Comfort-First Environment Under Management
Forward Elias Pettersson put together a productive outing during the second half of Saturday’s scrimmage, scoring one goal and generating a high-scoring chance after defenceman Tom Willander joined a four-way passing play. General manager Ryan Johnson has emphasized creating a supportive environment for Pettersson following previous roster friction.
“I’m not saying previous years it hasn’t been comfortable,” Pettersson said. “But I think just for everyone to come here and work hard and have fun, you can tell the difference. I definitely feel good.”
Following the conclusion of training camp in Penticton, a prospect-heavy contingent of Canucks travelled to Seattle to open a four-game pre-season schedule against the Kraken. The team will then face the Calgary Flames on Tuesday before concluding the pre-season with home games against the Edmonton Oilers and Seattle Kraken ahead of the regular-season opener on September 29 in Edmonton.
Did You Know?
Liam Ohgren’s shooting routine at his family home in Stockholm involves spending up to an hour daily on an artificial ice setup featuring plastic ice, boards, and double-layered netting to withstand his heavy release.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does the Vancouver Canucks regular season begin?
The Canucks open their 84-game regular season on September 29 against the Edmonton Oilers in Edmonton.
Why is Chris Driedger attending Canucks training camp on a PTO?
Driedger signed a professional tryout agreement on August 27 to provide immediate veteran depth while starting goaltender Thatcher Demko continues his recovery from hip surgery.
How did Liam Ohgren perform after joining the Canucks last season?
After a trade from the Minnesota Wild, Ohgren recorded eight goals and 18 points in 51 games, finishing the season averaging 16:02 of ice time over his final 28 appearances.
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