Canucks Sign Winger Drew O'Connor for Two More Years for $5m

Summary:

• Drew O’Connor signed a two-year, $5m extension with the Canucks.
• The 26-year-old was initially acquired from the Pittsburgh Penguins on February 1.
• Despite playing just four games with Vancouver, he made an immediate impact on the team.

While Vancouver Canucks winger Drew O’Connor took advantage of the NHL’s schedule break to unwind in Florida, discussions between his agent and the Canucks’ front office gained momentum.

By the time the team returned to practice on Tuesday, Vancouver had officially announced a two-year contract extension for O’Connor worth $5 million. The timing was ideal, giving the 26-year-old forward space to reflect on his future.

O’Connor: “I Didn’t Want to Rush Into a Decision”.

I think it kind of let me process everything, think everything through. I didn’t want to rush into a decision, obviously, but was super comfortable with my time here thus far. So I think ultimately, the decision kind of became clear towards the end.

"That first week we spent here was awesome. City was great…It’s been a good fit so far hockey-wise.”

🗣 Drew O'Connor speaks to the media on signing a two-year contract extension with the #Canucks pic.twitter.com/Cjb8bK5P9X

— Vancouver Canucks (@Canucks) February 19, 2025

The Canucks acquired O’Connor on February 1 in a trade that sent a conditional first-round draft pick, initially obtained from the New York Rangers in exchange for star center J.T. Miller, along with a group of depth players to the Pittsburgh Penguins. 

Vancouver also received defenseman Marcus Pettersson in the deal, who quickly committed to the franchise by signing a six-year, $33-million extension just days later.

GM Patrik Allvin: “Drew Has Really Made a Good First Impression”

Despite only appearing in four games with the Canucks before finalizing his contract, Drew O’Connor made an immediate impact. He found the back of the net twice, including a dramatic overtime penalty shot winner against the San Jose Sharks on February 6.

Canucks general manager Patrik Allvin said in a statement.

Drew has really made a good first impression since joining our team from Pittsburgh at the beginning of the month. We like his size, speed and ability to get in on the forecheck and hound pucks

Head coach Rick Tocchet has experimented with O’Connor’s placement in the lineup, initially pairing him with Pius Suter and Kiefer Sherwood before shifting him alongside Filip Chytil and Brock Boeser. 

The winger has embraced the challenge and appreciates the style of play Tocchet encourages.

And I just like the way we play a lot. I like the way (Tocchet) runs the team, and the coaching staff runs the team. It’s a fun way to play 

O’Connor has recorded eight goals and 10 assists over 57 games split between Pittsburgh and Vancouver this season. His best statistical season came in 2023-24 when he notched 16 goals, 17 assists, and 33 points for the Penguins. 

In total, he has compiled 32 goals and 36 assists across 214 career NHL regular-season contests.

I think I’m capable of more than I’ve shown this season thus far. Especially offensively, I think I can contribute more

How will O’Connor get on for the rest of the season? Will the Canucks make it to the Stanley Cup Final, find out this and more with the latest hockey odds at your fingertips.