High Risk - Canucks Make Strong Decision to Shake Up Their Lines In Preparation for the Columbus Blue Jackets

Earlier today, tonight's starting netminder was announced, with Kevin Lankinen returning to the crease after missing the last two games with illness.

That illness appears to be making its way through the Vancouver Canucks' locker room this week, which led to the call-up of Max Sasson under emergency conditions.

Daniel Wagner of Vancouver is Awesome shared the team's projected lines and defensive pairings ahead of tonight's game in Columbus, with one notable chance potentially coming from Rick Tocchet.

Reports today suggest that Latvian centerman Teddy Blueger may miss tonight's game with the flu, which would mean that Max Sasson would draw into the lineup for his 25th career game in the National Hockey League.

If Teddy Blueger isn't able to go tonight, here's how the Vancouver Canucks could line up, according to Daniel Wagner, with Aatu Raty sliding up to the 2C role and Max Sasson at 4C:

Line 1: Jake DeBrusk -- Pius Suter -- Brock Boeser.
Line 2: Drew O'Connor -- Aatu Raty -- Conor Garland.
Line 3: Linus Karlsson -- Nils Aman -- Jonathan Lekkerimaki.
Line 4: Dakota Joshua -- Max Sasson -- Kiefer Sherwood.

Defensive Pairing 1: Quinn Hughes -- Filip Hronek.
Defensive Pairing 2: Marcus Pettersson -- Tyler Myers.
Defensive Pairing 3: Derek Forbort -- Elias Pettersson.

Starting Netminder: Kevin Lankinen.

It's been a tough couple of weeks for the Vancouver Canucks' depth down the middle as Filip Chytil is out with a concussion, Elias Pettersson flew back to Vancouver after suffering an undisclosed injury last Saturday against the New York Rangers and now, Teddy Blueger potentially out with the flu tonight.

Puck drop for tonight's game against the Columbus Blue Jackets is set for just after 4 pm PT on Sportsnet Pacific in the Vancouver viewing region.

Source: Daniel Wagner/Vancouver is Awesome
Canucks lines vs Blue Jackets, March 28, 2025