The Vancouver Canucks’ 2024–25 season was marked by high expectations and tough setbacks, culminating in a significant injury to defenseman Derek Forbort on April 12th, just days after the team was officially eliminated from playoff contention. Forbort’s injury sidelined a key veteran and underscored the challenges facing a team that had entered the year, hoping to build on a strong previous campaign.
Canucks’ Season in Perspective
Coming off a resurgent 2023–24 season, the Canucks had reason for optimism. They finished first in the Pacific Division, a significant accomplishment that reignited fan enthusiasm and raised the bar for the franchise. That season, Vancouver was eliminated in the second round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs by the Edmonton Oilers. Still, their performance marked a return to relevance and set the stage for bigger ambitions.
Entering 2024–25, the Canucks were viewed as a potential contender, but the campaign did not unfold as planned. The team finished with a 38–30–14 record, good for 90 points and fifth place in the Pacific Division. Despite flashes of promise, Vancouver struggled to maintain consistency, and a series of injuries to key players, including Thatcher Demko, Quinn Hughes, Elias Pettersson, and Brock Boeser, hampered their ability to string together wins. The Canucks ultimately missed the playoffs, with their elimination confirmed on April 9th after the Minnesota Wild defeated the San Jose Sharks in overtime.
Statistically, the Canucks’ offense and defense both took steps back from the prior year. They scored 236 goals while allowing 253, resulting in a negative goal differential. Quinn Hughes continued to shine as captain, leading the team with 60 assists and 76 points, while Jake DeBrusk emerged as the top goal scorer with 28 tallies. However, the team’s depth and defensive stability were tested throughout the year, and losing key contributors at critical times proved costly.
Betting markets reflected the tempered expectations as the season progressed. GGBet Sports listed the Canucks at +2200 odds to win the 2025 Stanley Cup, a clear indication that bookmakers and analysts saw Vancouver as a long shot despite their division-winning performance the previous year.
Derek Forbort’s Injury: Timing and Impact
The Canucks’ frustrations were compounded on April 12th, when Derek Forbort suffered a significant injury during a heated contest against the Minnesota Wild. Early in the third period, Forbort became involved in a scrum with Wild forward Yakov Trenin after Trenin delivered a hit to Canucks captain Quinn Hughes. The altercation escalated quickly, with both players falling to the ice. Trenin then punched Forbort in the face while he was defenseless, leaving him bloodied and unable to return to the game.
Medical evaluation revealed that Forbort had suffered a broken orbital bone, a serious injury that immediately ended his season. The orbital bones are crucial for supporting the eye and its surrounding structures, and such fractures often require surgical intervention and a lengthy recovery. Forbort’s absence was a blow to the Canucks’ already-depleted defensive corps and underscored the physical toll of a long NHL season.
Forbort’s Season and Uncertain Future
Forbort, 33, had joined Vancouver on a one-year deal, seeking to re-establish himself after an injury-plagued stint with the Boston Bruins. His season with the Canucks was challenging, as he battled through a knee injury that caused him to miss 23 games and dealt with personal loss off the ice. Despite these obstacles, Forbort provided valuable minutes, especially on the penalty kill, and brought a steady veteran presence to the blue line.
The timing of his injury is miserable, as Forbort is set to become an unrestricted free agent this summer. With his future in Vancouver uncertain, the injury could impact his market value and the likelihood of returning to the Canucks. At age 33, Forbort faces a crossroads: he could seek another short-term deal in Vancouver if the team values his experience. Alternatively, depending on his recovery progress and the team’s offseason plans, he may look for opportunities elsewhere.
Aftermath and Looking Forward
The incident with Trenin sparked outrage among Canucks players and fans, with calls for more severe disciplinary action from the league. While Trenin received a 10-minute major penalty and a misconduct, the NHL Department of Player Safety chose not to issue further punishment, leaving many unsatisfied.
As the Canucks look to regroup for the 2025–26 season, the organization faces essential decisions regarding its roster construction, particularly on defense. Forbort’s recovery and free agency status add another layer of complexity to an offseason that will be critical for Vancouver’s hopes of returning to playoff contention. The team’s performance in 2024–25, combined with the challenges of injuries and roster turnover, will shape the franchise’s future.
For Forbort, the focus now shifts to recovery and determining his next steps in a career that has seen its share of adversity. For the Canucks, the offseason presents an opportunity to address their shortcomings and build a roster capable of meeting the high expectations set by their Pacific Division title just a year ago.