The Vancouver Canucks are reportedly exploring a potential reunion with veteran defenseman Ben Hutton. According to Vancouver insider Rick Dhaliwal, speaking on the Canucks Conversation podcast, the organization has held preliminary talks with the 33-year-old’s agent, though it remains unclear if these discussions will lead to a formal contract.
Hutton, who is currently an unrestricted free agent, spent the last five seasons with the Vegas Golden Knights. His most recent two-year contract, which carried an average annual value of $975,000, expired at the conclusion of the 2025-26 season. The Canucks currently maintain approximately $17.8 million in salary cap space under the league’s $104 million ceiling for the 2026-27 campaign.
A former fifth-round pick by Vancouver in the 2012 NHL Draft, Hutton began his professional career with the club, playing his first five seasons in British Columbia. Throughout his 575-game NHL career, the defenseman has recorded 30 goals and 109 assists for 139 total points. His experience includes a 2023 Stanley Cup championship with Vegas, where he served primarily as a depth option. Notably, Hutton possesses significant familiarity with the Pacific Division, having played 571 of his 575 career games against divisional opponents.
Beyond his on-ice contributions, which included six goals and 15 points in 55 games during the 2025-26 regular season, Dhaliwal suggested that Hutton could provide value to the team’s culture. The insider noted that the Canucks’ new management group is focused on improving the environment within the dressing room, and Hutton is viewed as a player who could assist in that transition.
While the potential return of the veteran remains a topic of speculation, there is currently no indication that a deal is imminent. The report regarding these discussions was later highlighted by the NHL Rumour Report on X. In unrelated news, Janet Gretzky, wife of Wayne Gretzky, recently addressed public criticism regarding her husband’s loyalty to Canada, following comments from Bobby Orr amid the 4 Nations tournament drama.
His two-year, $1.95 million contract with Vegas expired at the end of the 2025-26 season.
He also appeared in seven playoff games, recording one assist and a plus-1 rating.
But Dhaliwal’s comments suggest Hutton’s appeal may not be limited to what he does on the ice.
The reported conversations, however, give the former Vancouver another connection to the team as he looks for his next contract.
Hutton’s recent numbers give some context to what he could offer if the Vancouver decide to bring him back.
