The Vancouver Canucks have made a significant move by extending forward Linus Karlsson’s contract for two more years, ensuring he remains a part of the team’s roster until 2028. This new deal, which averages $2.25 million per year, comes just ahead of the upcoming 2026 offseason, preventing Karlsson from becoming a Group 6 unrestricted free agent.
Canucks General Manager Patrik Allvin expressed confidence in Karlsson’s progression, noting his hard work and notable development since joining the organization. Allvin highlighted Karlsson’s leadership during the previous season’s Calder Cup Championship run with the Abbotsford Canucks, where he set a record for the most goals scored by a Swedish player in a single AHL postseason, leading the league with a total of 26 points from 14 goals and 12 assists.
This season, Karlsson has solidified his place in the Canucks’ lineup, having scored nine goals and provided seven assists in 36 games. His recent performance includes scoring four goals within a five-game stretch, positioning him among the team’s top scorers alongside notable players such as Brock Boeser and Elias Pettersson.
Karlsson is not the only Calder Cup champion to secure a contract extension with the Canucks; his teammate Max Sasson also signed a two-year deal earlier, reflecting the team’s commitment to retaining key players from their successful roster.
The Canucks will look to kick off 2026 on a positive note as they prepare for a matchup against the Seattle Kraken tonight at 7:30 PM PT. With players like Karlsson making impactful contributions, the team’s prospects appear promising heading into the new year.