Canucks’ Aatu Räty begins 2026-27 with limited ice time as playing-time questions resurface

The Story

Aatu Räty’s role with the Vancouver Canucks is already drawing attention after he was a healthy scratch for the first two games of the 2026-27 season and is averaging 9:43 of ice time per night.

Räty was also listed as the extra forward at practice on Tuesday before the Canucks departed for a six-game road trip, a detail that adds to the growing discussion about his usage this year.

The debate around Räty’s place in the lineup is not entirely new. Last season, he spent portions of the campaign in the press box as well, even as Vancouver had a coaching change during the off-season.

One argument for including Räty more often centres on his faceoff ability. He won 60.5% of his draws in 2025-26 and is already at 61.5% this season.

Defensively and in late-game situations, a reliable faceoff option on the bench can matter, particularly in close games, according to the considerations raised in the discussion around his role.

On the other hand, Räty’s offence has been a consistent question at the NHL level. Over 104 career games, he has scored 12 goals and recorded 27 points, figures that are noted as a concern for his overall impact.

Another factor is whether Räty’s game fits the system Manny Malhotra wants. The Canucks are looking to play with speed down the middle, and Räty is not known for that element, while there is also uncertainty about how his skill set would translate if he were used differently.

The potential idea of moving him to the wing is complicated by the fact that Räty has not played that position in his NHL career, which would require additional work on and off the ice to learn left- or right-wing responsibilities.

Vancouver’s options may be limited, too. Räty would require waivers to be sent to the AHL and would likely be claimed, making his usage a topic that could continue as the season progresses.