Canucks Re-sign Steady Defenseman Derek Forbort to Bolster Team Culture and Penalty Kill
The Vancouver Canucks are bringing back defenseman Derek Forbort for another season, valuing his stabilizing presence both on and off the ice. While Forbort isn’t known for being vocal with the media, his influence in the locker room is considered significant, especially as the team looks to avoid a repeat of last season’s turbulent internal dynamics.
The team officially announced Tuesday that Forbort has signed a one-year contract worth $2 million. His return is viewed as a key move to help restore order and strengthen the team’s culture heading into the 2024–25 NHL season.
At 33, Forbort played 54 games for the Canucks last season, missing time early due to injury. However, once he returned to form, his defensive contributions were clear. He played a crucial role in improving Vancouver’s penalty kill, being on the ice for only six goals against while the team was short-handed. Offensively, he chipped in with two goals and nine assists.
Having joined the Canucks last summer from the Boston Bruins as a free agent, Forbort is now reuniting with a familiar face — former Bruins assistant coach Kevin Dean is expected to join Vancouver’s coaching staff.
General Manager Patrik Allvin emphasized Forbort’s importance: “Bringing Derek back for another season is an important move for our group. His strong defensive play and solid work on the penalty kill really helped solidify our back end this past year.”
With Forbort’s return, the Canucks now have seven defensemen from last season’s roster under contract: Quinn Hughes, Filip Hronek, Marcus Pettersson, Tyler Myers, Victor Mancini, Elias ‘Junior’ Pettersson, and Forbort. In addition, top prospect Tom Willander is signed but expected to begin next season in the AHL.
Team President Jim Rutherford has made it clear the Canucks are exploring trades to acquire a second-line center and possibly a winger. Any such move may involve parting with a roster player or even their first-round pick. While Forbort isn’t expected to be traded, players like Pettersson, Mancini, or Willander could be part of a potential deal.
