Canucks Sign Abbotsford Captain Chase Wouters to One‑Year Two‑Way Deal

Overview

• The Vancouver Canucks announced on June 17 that they signed 26‑year‑old Chase Wouters to a one‑year, two‑way NHL/AHL contract for the 2026–27 season.
• The contract carries an NHL salary of $850,000 and an AHL figure most outlets list as $425,000 while at least one report cites $450,000, creating a small discrepancy in published AHL pay.
• General manager Ryan Johnson praised Wouters’ work ethic and character in the team announcement and framed the deal as a reward for his years of service to the organization.
• Wouters is an undrafted product of the WHL’s Saskatoon Blades who joined Abbotsford in 2021, was named captain in 2022 and helped lead the club to the 2024–25 Calder Cup as a defensive, bottom‑six forward.
• The two‑way contract lets Vancouver move Wouters between the NHL and AHL for roster flexibility but does not guarantee an NHL roster spot, and it preserves a veteran leader and depth piece for both clubs.