Jamie Oleksiak has signed a two-year contract with the Vancouver Canucks, marking a new chapter for the veteran NHL defenseman after 14 seasons in the league. The 33-year-old agreed to a deal worth US$10 million, announced last Wednesday, shortly after the opening of the NHL free agency window.

Oleksiak, a 6-foot-7, 252-pound blueliner from Toronto, was previously with the Seattle Kraken, where he spent five seasons following his selection in the 2021 NHL expansion draft. He recorded five goals, 15 points, and 36 penalty minutes across 78 games in the 2025-26 season, a decrease from his career-best totals of nine goals and 25 points in the 2022-23 campaign.

During a video interview, Oleksiak described the free agency process as “quite the hectic day” and expressed enthusiasm about joining the Canucks. Citing the appeal of playing in a Canadian market with a historic franchise, he also highlighted his appreciation for the Pacific Northwest, developed during his time with Seattle. “I’m excited to explore Vancouver and play in front of the fans there and grow with the team as well,” he said.

Vancouver’s general manager Ryan Johnson praised Oleksiak as a “big body who moves very well on the ice” and a “solid two-way defenseman” known for leveraging his size and athleticism. Johnson emphasized Oleksiak’s competitive nature and leadership qualities, both on and off the ice, noting that his presence would positively impact the team’s defense and locker room culture.

Oleksiak joins a series of veteran acquisitions by the Canucks this offseason. Earlier, the team acquired 34-year-old winger Brendan Gallagher from the Montreal Canadiens on June 29. They also re-signed Luke Schenn, the 36-year-old defenseman returning to Vancouver for his third stint.

Reflecting on his time with Seattle, Oleksiak described the expansion draft experience as unique, bringing together players from various teams to forge a new group identity. He credited that period with teaching him valuable lessons about building team culture, experience he is eager to apply with Vancouver’s rebuilding roster. “I’ve been around the league for a while, and I can kind of bring my experiences to the team,” he said. He also expressed readiness to embrace the challenge ahead, working alongside both young players and fellow veterans to establish strong standards within the club.