Vancouver Canucks ink defenceman Victor Mancini to two-year extension

Vancouver Canucks' Victor Mancini (90) stops a shot by Winnipeg Jets' Alex Iafallo (9) during second period NHL action in Winnipeg, Saturday, March 7, 2026. THE CANADIAN PRESS/John Woods

VANCOUVER — The Vancouver Canucks have locked up Victor Mancini, signing the American defenceman to a two-year extension.

The NHL club announced the deal Friday, saying it carries an average-annual value of US$1 million.

Mancini has averaged 13:50 in ice time over 18 games with the Canucks this season, and logged five penalty minutes.

The 23-year-old from Hancock, Mich., has also played 33 games for the Abbotsford Canucks in the American Hockey League this season where he tallied four goals and eight assists.

Mancini was originally selected by the Rangers in the fifth round of the 2022 draft, and played 15 games for New York before the Canucks acquired him alongside Filip Chytil in a trade for centre J.T. Miller on Jan. 31, 2025.

The six-foot-three, 229-pound blueliner has two goals and six assists over 49 NHL games, and 28 points (eight goals, 20 assists) over 70 AHL games.

He’s also made 34 AHL playoff appearances, and helped Abbotsford to a Calder Cup title last spring.

“Victor has fit in nicely with our organization,” Canucks general manager Patrik Allvin said in a statement. “He was a key part of our Calder Cup winning team last year in Abbotsford, and this season he has continued to develop his skill set with the help of our group.

“Depth on the back end is very important for our team moving forward and we are happy to have Victor be a part of the blue line mix.”

This report by Gemma Karstens-Smith, The Canadian Press, was first published March 20, 2026.