Vancouver Canucks Organization Extends Contracts for Three Calder Cup Champions: A Look at the Future Core in Abbotsford
Fresh off a historic American Hockey League (AHL) season, the Vancouver Canucks organization has solidified its commitment to internal development by extending contracts for three key players from the Abbotsford Canucks’ 2025 Calder Cup-winning roster. Forwards Dino Kambeitz and Cooper Walker, along with defenseman Joe Arntsen, have each signed new deals to stay with the AHL affiliate, with the hope of making an even greater impact next season.
This announcement arrives during a period of major roster reshuffling within the Canucks system, following the departure of goaltender Arturs Silovs via trade to the Pittsburgh Penguins and the decision not to offer qualifying deals to several contributors from last season, including Cole McWard, Christian Felton, Ty Glover, and Tristen Nielsen. Despite the shifting roster dynamics, the re-signing of Kambeitz, Walker, and Arntsen underscores the clubโs intent to retain a competitive edge by investing in homegrown talent.
A Championship Legacy and New Chapter Ahead
The Abbotsford Canucks made headlines earlier this summer by capturing their first-ever Calder Cup title, defeating the Charlotte Checkers in six games. The historic triumph has cast a spotlight on the next generation of talent rising through the organization.
The teamโs return to the ice in October will look different in some respects, but with the confirmed return of three familiar and influential faces, Abbotsford fans can rest assured that key championship contributors will remain in place.
Announced on Wednesday afternoon via a social media post, Abbotsford Canucks General Manager Ryan Johnson confirmed that:
Dino Kambeitz has agreed to a one-year contract extension for the 2025โ26 AHL season.
Cooper Walker has signed a two-year extension, keeping him with the club through 2026โ27.
Joe Arntsen has also signed a two-year deal, locking him in through 2026โ27.
In typical AHL fashion, financial terms were not disclosed.
GM Johnson: โWe Expect Continued Impactโ
In his statement, GM Johnson praised the trio for their contributions and made it clear that the organization expects more from them in the seasons ahead.
> โWe are excited to bring back some familiar faces for next season. Dino, Cooper, and Joe each played an important role in securing our Calder Cup championship in 2025, and we expect them to continue making an impact here in Abbotsford,โ said Johnson.
His words signal that while these players might not yet be on the NHL radar, they are essential pillars in the Canucksโ developmental strategy.
Meet the Players: Quiet Contributors Poised for Bigger Roles
Joe Arntsen
At just 22 years old, Arntsen is the youngest of the trio but may have the highest ceiling. Originally signed in the spring of 2024 to a one-year deal, Arntsen split time between Abbotsford and the ECHLโs Kalamazoo Wings during the 2024โ25 season. While with the Wings, he notched 16 points in 43 games and appeared in 10 games for Abbotsford. A tall, mobile defenseman with offensive upside, Arntsen is expected to play a larger role on the blue line next season.
Dino Kambeitz
A Colorado native, Kambeitz brought veteran poise and grit to the Abbotsford lineup after joining the club in 2024 following three years with the Bakersfield Condors. In 52 games last season, Kambeitz posted 14 points and was praised for his physical play and leadership presence in the locker room. His one-year extension suggests that while the Canucks see value in his experience, they’ll be watching closely to evaluate his future fit within the organization.
Cooper Walker
Perhaps the most sentimental name in the bunch, Cooper Walker is the son of former Vancouver Canucks forward and fan favorite Scott Walker. Cooper has been with the Abbotsford Canucks for two seasons and will now return for a third. Last year, he posted 10 points in 34 games, mostly in a limited role. Still just 22 years old, the organization believes his development arc is trending upward, especially given his hockey pedigree and strong work ethic.
Roster Overhaul: Big Departures, Big Opportunities
The decision to retain these three players comes as Vancouver and Abbotsford make significant adjustments across their rosters. The trade of standout goalie Arturs Silovs to Pittsburgh raised eyebrows, as did the front officeโs move to walk away from several younger players who were previously in the mix.
In this context, the re-signing of Kambeitz, Walker, and Arntsen isnโt just about continuity โ itโs about opportunity. With several roster spots up for grabs heading into training camp, each of these players will be vying for a larger role not only in Abbotsford but potentially as call-up candidates for the NHL club if injuries or performance issues arise in Vancouver.
Calder Cup Title Defense Begins Soon
The Abbotsford Canucks will open their 2025โ26 season on Friday, October 10th, on the road against the Henderson Silver Knights, AHL affiliate of the Vegas Golden Knights. It will be the beginning of their Calder Cup title defense, and the newly re-signed trio is expected to be front and center as the team looks to prove that last seasonโs success was no fluke.
Thereโs a strong sense of optimism surrounding the group, bolstered by their shared championship experience and familiarity with one another. While some of the star power may be moving on or making the leap to the NHL, these three players offer the Canucks organization the kind of depth, culture, and continuity every contender needs.
Final Thoughts
In what has already been a summer of big moves and speculation โ including whispers of Vancouver making a major push to trade for Anaheim Ducks forward Mason McTavish โ this quieter move to secure three internal contributors shows a more strategic side to the Canucksโ plans.
Itโs not just about the big splashes at the NHL level; itโs about fortifying the pipeline that feeds it. By retaining key contributors from their AHL championship squad, the Vancouver Canucks are sending a message: the rebuild is over, the system is stocked, and the next wave is already winning.
