Canucks Sign Jamie Oleksiak to a 2-Year Contract

On July 1, the Vancouver Canucks signed defenseman Jamie Oleksiak to a two-year contract with an average annual value (AAV) of $5 million.

Oleksiak was taken 14th overall in the 2011 NHL Draft by the Dallas Stars. He has played 14 seasons in the NHL with three different teams, the Stars, the Pittsburgh Penguins, the Stars again, and for the last five seasons, he was a member of the Seattle Kraken. He was selected in Seattle’s initial expansion draft. In the 2025-26 season, he played in 78 games and recorded 15 points, scoring five goals and recording 10 assists.

Oleksiak Adds Physicality

Coming in at 6-foot-7 and 252 pounds, Oleksiak is definitely not afraid to utilize his size to his and his team’s benefit. He will often lay hits on the opposing team, trying to make sure that his team keeps possession of the puck or gains possession of it.

While he doesn’t have the greatest offensive numbers, he is there to make plays for his team and keep the blue line strong. When he has the right chance, he will shoot the puck without an issue, but offense is not his strongest skill. He will be a great member of the Canucks’ blue line, not necessarily a great depth addition.

Vancouver Adds Respected Veteran

With 14 seasons of experience in the NHL, the Canucks are getting a strong defenseman in Oleksiak. He has been around the league and has plenty of experience playing with both younger and older guys. He is a great addition to the team to try and bolster their blue line. He can be a mentor to the younger guys and a great shoulder to lean on for the other veterans as well.

Heading into the 2026-27 season, Oleksiak will turn 34 years old. For a hockey player, he’s getting up there. With the shorter contract he received, one has to consider how much longer he will be playing until he retires. For now, hopefully he enjoys his time playing in Vancouver.