Paul Cotter aims to make an impact as Canucks rebuild in Penticton training camp

Paul Cotter joined the Vancouver Canucks this summer as a free agent and entered training camp in Penticton, B.C., convinced the team is building the right way. He described the roster as hungry and balanced, mixing veteran leadership with young skilled players, and said he'd prefer the team to be an underdog rather than average.

Why Cotter signed and what he expects

Cotter signed in July and has spent the offseason working on details of his game. He believes the Canucks' new front office and personnel give the team a clearer path forward. At camp he said the group's balance and competitive attitude make it "pretty fun," and he expects the Canucks to surprise people this season.

Selected in the fourth round of the 2018 draft, Cotter has played for the Vegas Golden Knights and New Jersey Devils. His NHL totals include 47 goals and 35 assists in 296 regular-season games. He won a Stanley Cup in 2023 with Vegas. In the 2025–26 season with New Jersey he appeared in 79 games, scored nine goals, and added six assists while averaging 10:41 of ice time.

Cotter's versatility is the immediate asset. He can play a physical forechecking role and contribute offensively when given space. He mentioned the possibility of lining up alongside established scorers—an indication the team could try him in different forward combinations to find where his mix of skill and tenacity fits best.

Pay attention to three things: whether Cotter gets increased minutes and a defined role, how often he's used in scoring situations versus a checking/penalty-killing role, and how his decision-making evolves—specifically his balance between physical play and finishing chances. Early preseason reports and initial regular-season deployment will show whether he moves out of the bottom-six profile and into a more consistent, impact-driven role.

Cotter is banking on the Canucks' roster mix and a new organizational approach to provide him the platform to grow his game. He's realistic about needing to refine timing and choices on the ice, and he believes both he and the team can exceed external expectations if that development continues.