​Former members of the Vancouver Canucks will take the spotlight in this off-season article series. From those skating with new NHL teams heading into the 2026–27 season to those who are now playing for international clubs, these featured players have skated in at least one game at the NHL level as a member of the Canucks. Today’s segment will take a look at the former Canucks that are expected to play in the AHL’s Eastern Conference during the 2026–27 season. As it stands, 20 ex-Canucks are projected to be playing in the AHL for the 2026–27 season. Seven of these 20 will be playing for teams in the Atlantic Division and five will play in the North Division. Atlantic Division Providence Bruins: Jiří Patera: Spent two seasons as a goaltender for the Abbotsford Canucks and started in one game for Vancouver in 2025–26, facing 40 shots and stopping 33 in a loss to the Florida Panthers. Signed a one-year deal with the Bruins in free-agency.  Brendan Gaunce: The 26th-overall pick in the 2012 NHL Entry Draft. Skated in 117 NHL games for Vancouver from 2015–16 to 2018–19, making his NHL debut on October 29, 2015. Signed with the Bruins in free-agency in 2019–20, also playing for the Columbus Blue Jackets and Minnesota Wild before returning to Boston in 2026. *Lukas Reichel: Acquired by Vancouver via trade on October 24, 2025. Played in 14 games with the Canucks before being sent down to Abbotsford and eventually traded to the Bruins. Listed on Boston’s roster but also spent time with Providence in 2025–26. *Michael DiPietro: A third-round pick for Vancouver in the 2017 NHL Draft. Played in three games for the Canucks before being traded to Boston in 2022. Named AHL Regular-Season MVP in 2026. Listed on Boston’s roster for 2026–27 but played predominantly in the AHL in 2025–26. Lehigh Valley Phantoms: Jack Studnicka: Joined Vancouver via trade for DiPietro and prospect Jonathan Myrenberg in October of 2022. Skated in 52 games for the Canucks in 2022–23 and 2023–24 before being dealt to the San Jose Sharks. Played for the Ontario Reign, Panthers, and Charlotte Checkers before heading to Philadelphia. Hartford Wolf Pack: Justin Dowling: Played in 22 games for the Canucks in 2021–22, scoring two goals and two assists. Spent the 2022–23 season with Abbotsford, putting up 46 points in 56 games before heading to the New Jersey Devils the season after. Signed a two-year contract with the New York Rangers during the 2025 free-agency period. Spencer Martin: Acquired by Vancouver via the Tampa Bay Lightning in 2021. Faced 50 shots in his second game for the Canucks on January 25, 2022. Finished the 2021–22 season with a 1.74 GAA and .950 SV% in six games. Claimed off waivers by Columbus in September of 2023. Split 2025–26 with CSKA Moskva, Hartford, and the Rangers. Mar 21, 2023; Vancouver, British Columbia, CAN; Vancouver Canucks defenseman Ethan Bear (74) skates against the Vegas Golden Knights in the third