The Vancouver Canucks agreed to terms with forward Chase Wouters on a one-year, two-way contract, keeping one of their top Abbotsford Canucks leaders in the NHL organization's depth group.
The club announced the agreement on June 17 through Canucks Communications. Pro Hockey Rumors reported the deal covers the 2026-27 season and, citing PuckPedia, listed the salary at $850,000 at the NHL level and $450,000 in the AHL.
Wouters Stays In The Canucks System
Wouters, 26, has spent his entire professional career with Abbotsford after joining the AHL club as an undrafted free agent on July 22, 2021. The Canucks said he has served as Abbotsford's captain since 2022.
The contract is not a headline-grabbing NHL signing, but it is a clear organizational reward. Wouters has been part of Abbotsford since its inaugural season and has become one of the franchise's defining AHL players rather than a short-term depth rental.
Ryan Johnson, identified in the team release as Vancouver's general manager, credited Wouters' work habits, leadership and development since turning pro. The club also pointed to his community work, noting he is a four-time recipient of Abbotsford's Man of the Year Award.
Abbotsford Captain Brings Proven AHL Depth
The Canucks listed Wouters at 6-foot-0 and 182 pounds. He appeared in 70 games for Abbotsford last season, recording 26 points on 11 goals and 15 assists, along with 76 penalty minutes.
Across 338 career AHL games, all with Abbotsford, Wouters has 120 points, made up of 43 goals and 77 assists, with 316 penalty minutes. Vancouver said he is Abbotsford's franchise leader in games played and playoff games played.
His postseason record is part of the case for keeping him. Wouters has played 38 AHL playoff games and posted nine points, including four goals. The Canucks said he helped lead Abbotsford during the 2024-25 playoff run that ended with the franchise's first Calder Cup championship.
Two-Way Contract Keeps Options Open
A two-way deal gives Vancouver flexibility while retaining a player who already knows Abbotsford's room and workload. Wouters can remain a central AHL piece while giving the organization another experienced forward under NHL contract.
The move also fits the Canucks' broader offseason housekeeping. Vancouver has been securing several depth players on one-year, two-way deals, and Wouters' signing keeps continuity in Abbotsford after a championship season.
Wouters is not being presented as a guaranteed NHL answer, and the available reporting does not support that leap. The verified news is narrower and still useful: Vancouver has moved one of its most established AHL leaders from an organizational role into a two-way NHL contract for the next season.