Canucks Reportedly Deny Noah Juulsen Permission to Explore Free Agency Options
As the NHL offseason heats up and teams begin to make pivotal roster decisions ahead of the July 1 free agency window, one storyline coming out of Vancouver is drawing attention across the league. According to recent reports, the Vancouver Canucks have declined a request from defenseman Noah Juulsen to engage with other NHL teams before free agency officially opens. This development suggests that the Canucks may still see Juulsen as a potential asset depending on how their offseason unfolds.
The report, which was first shared by Rick Dhaliwal on the “Donnie and Dhali – The Team” podcast, indicates that Juulsen asked the Canucks for permission to speak with other organizations. However, the team denied that request, leaving the 27-year-old defenseman in a state of uncertainty as he approaches unrestricted free agency. Juulsen is coming off a two-year deal that carried a modest average annual value (AAV) of $775,000. That contract is set to expire this summer, making him eligible to test the open market—if the Canucks allow it.
Dhaliwal offered some insight into the Canucks’ decision, suggesting that the team is keeping its options open when it comes to Juulsen’s future. The team’s refusal to grant him access to other suitors implies they may still be considering him as a depth piece, particularly if they end up making a trade involving another right-shot defenseman.
“The reason [Juulsen’s request] was denied,” Dhaliwal explained, “is because the Canucks may or may not need him. It depends on if they trade a right-shot defenceman for top-six help. If the Canucks move someone like Victor Mancini or Tom Willander for a second-line center, then they might need Juulsen to fill a depth role in the lineup.”
That kind of flexibility appears to be key in Vancouver’s approach. Juulsen may not be guaranteed a spot in the lineup next season, but his ability to provide reliable, low-cost depth gives the Canucks a measure of security if they choose to move one of their higher-profile right-handed blue-liners in a trade.
Though Juulsen has not been a major offensive contributor during his career—he has just 17 points (3 goals, 14 assists) in 157 NHL games—his value may lie more in his defensive reliability, physical play, and experience. Originally drafted 26th overall by the Montreal Canadiens in the 2015 NHL Entry Draft, Juulsen’s NHL journey has seen its share of ups and downs. After a stint with the Canadiens, he was placed on waivers in 2021 and picked up by the Florida Panthers. Not long after, the Canucks acquired him along with Juho Lammikko in a trade that sent Olli Juolevi to Florida.
Since arriving in Vancouver, Juulsen has served primarily as a depth option on the blue line. He has not consistently been in the lineup but has stepped in when needed, particularly in situations where injuries or roster changes have thinned the defensive corps. Despite not being a regular fixture in the top six, his work ethic and attitude have reportedly earned respect within the organization.
With free agency looming just weeks away, the situation remains fluid. If the Canucks are unable to secure a trade that shifts their defensive depth chart, Juulsen could find himself back in the mix for a third-pairing or seventh-defenseman role. Conversely, if the team solidifies its top-six defensemen and no longer needs Juulsen’s services, it remains to be seen whether they’ll revisit his request to test the market or let him walk when his contract expires.
It’s worth noting that Juulsen is expected to draw interest from other NHL teams if he does hit free agency. His relatively low cost, combined with his ability to provide experienced minutes, makes him an appealing option for clubs looking to round out their rosters with reliable depth. His history of perseverance and willingness to adapt to different systems could make him a valuable pickup for teams aiming to bolster their defensive units without taking on significant salary cap obligations.
The Canucks’ decision to block Juulsen from exploring the market suggests there’s still internal debate over their offseason priorities. The team may be eyeing bigger moves—such as acquiring a second-line center—and wants to keep all possible roster pieces on standby while those larger transactions are being explored. In this sense, Juulsen serves as a kind of insurance policy: a player who can be re-signed if needed but not let go too soon in case he becomes necessary.
Of course, this situation also raises questions about player autonomy and the transparency of front-office decisions. Juulsen, a veteran player approaching 30, has clearly shown interest in seeking a new opportunity, perhaps one that would provide more playing time or a longer-term commitment. But for now, that possibility has been put on hold by Vancouver’s desire to keep its options open.
The next few weeks will be critical, not only for Juulsen but for the entire Canucks roster. As management weighs its trade options and identifies potential targets in the forward market, players like Juulsen are caught in the balance—waiting to see if they’ll be part of the team’s future or set free to pursue a new chapter elsewhere.
Until then, Juulsen remains in limbo—under contract for a few more weeks, but unable to officially engage with other NHL teams. Whether the Canucks ultimately retain him or let him go, their actions suggest that Juulsen still holds value within the organization, even if his role is not yet clearly defined.
In summary, Noah Juulsen’s future remains uncertain, hinging largely on how the Vancouver Canucks handle their offseason plans. His denied request to speak with other teams may indicate a continued interest in keeping him, especially if the team reshapes its defensive core. As free agency nears, all eyes will be on Vancouver to see how they proceed—and where Juulsen ends up when the dust settles.
