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Canucks Only

Canucks Only

By: Rob Young
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Shylo Smith is a former high-level goalie who as a 15 & 16 year old got to train in the summer with "YOUR VANCOUVER CANUCKS!" Rob Young hung around TV stations (OK, worked), and for a while worked every home Sportsnet broadcast from 2008 to 2014. But more importantly, we're fans just like you. Die-hard, long-suffering West Coasters, that care so much our Canucks. Shylo and Rob love the game, and love their team. They talk hockey and might have a couple of good takes once in a while too. Let's Go Canucks! Let's go Canucks Only!Copyright 2026 Rob Young Art Hockey Politics & Government
Episodes
  • Trades. The Draft. Free Agents ...and Manny Gets His Son
    Jul 7 2026

    Rob and Shylo open the episode by reflecting on Rob's recovery from his recent heart attack and, perhaps for the first time, states what the show actually is: two lifelong Canucks fans talking hockey, more importantly "Your Vancouver Canucks!". It's an honest introduction that sets the tone before diving into one of the busiest offseasons Vancouver has had in years.

    The conversation begins with the NHL Draft and the selection of Caleb Malhotra, a player Shylo had been championing for months. Both hosts agree the Canucks made the right choice, praising not only his talent but his character, Vancouver roots, and the belief that allowing him to develop in the NCAA is the smartest long-term move. Patience, once again, becomes the recurring theme.

    From there, the duo works through nearly every significant roster move of the offseason. The additions of Brenden Gallagher, Luke Schenn, Jamie Oleksiak, and several depth players are viewed less as headline acquisitions and more as culture pieces. Rather than chasing splashy free agents, Vancouver appears focused on surrounding its young core with leadership, toughness, and players who genuinely want to be part of the organization. It's a philosophy both Rob and Shylo fully embrace.

    The discussion eventually shifts toward the roster itself. Questions surrounding Aatu Räty's development, Filip Chytil's health, Elias Pettersson's future, and the growing salary cap all lead to the same conclusion: for the first time in years, the Canucks seem willing to resist shortcuts and commit to a genuine rebuild built around development instead of desperation.

    By the end of the episode, there's an optimism that hasn't been present for quite some time.

    Not because Vancouver suddenly became a contender...

    But because the organization finally appears to know exactly what it's trying to become.

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    1 hr and 52 mins
  • Lots of NHL trades...enough to cause a heart attack?
    Jun 25 2026

    And no action for the Canucks.

    After an unexpected break from the podcast, Rob and Shylo return with plenty to catch up on.

    The episode opens with a look back at one of the most entertaining Stanley Cup Finals in recent memory as Carolina defeats Vegas in a series filled with momentum swings, dramatic comebacks, elite goaltending, and nonstop action. The guys discuss what ultimately separated the Hurricanes from the Golden Knights, including health, depth, and timely performances throughout the playoffs.

    The conversation then takes a personal turn as Rob shares the frightening story of suffering a heart attack during a recreational hockey game. He walks listeners through the experience, from teammates and first responders jumping into action, to the incredible care he received at Royal Columbian Hospital. It's an honest and surprisingly uplifting reminder about modern medicine, gratitude, and the importance of taking your health seriously.

    From there, it's back to hockey.

    With NHL trade activity exploding around the league, Rob and Shylo debate whether the NHL is entering an era of "super teams," discuss the massive Bowen Byram trade, and examine how rising salary caps are reshaping player values across the league.

    The focus then shifts to Vancouver's quiet offseason. While other clubs aggressively reshape their rosters, the Canucks remain patient. The duo breaks down potential trade scenarios involving Brock Boeser, Elias Pettersson, Jake DeBrusk and Filip Hronek, while also debating whether standing pat may actually be the smartest move.

    Finally, draft season takes center stage. Rob and Shylo revisit the growing debate surrounding Caleb Malhotra, Stenberg, McKenna, Chase Reed, and several of the draft's top prospects, discussing whether Vancouver should prioritize elite talent, positional need, or attempt to acquire additional picks before draft day.

    It's an episode that blends personal perspective with deep hockey analysis, reminding listeners that sometimes patience, whether in life or in building a hockey team, can be just as valuable as making the biggest move.

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    1 hr and 28 mins
  • We got our Manny. The 23rd head coach of "YOUR VANCOUVER CANUCKS!"
    Jun 2 2026

    The biggest piece of Canucks news finally dropped: Manny Malhotra is officially the new head coach.

    Rob and Shylo react to the long-expected hire and agree that Malhotra is the right coach for where the organization is today. The discussion isn't about whether Manny can win a Stanley Cup immediately. It's about whether he can help build the foundation, culture, and development system that gets the Canucks back on the right path.

    From there, the conversation expands into a larger debate about culture. The additions of Alex Edler and the possibility of more former Canucks joining the organization spark discussion about bringing back voices from the 2011 era. Rob and Shylo argue that if the goal is rebuilding a winning culture, there's value in surrounding the team with people who helped create the strongest culture in franchise history.

    The draft remains a major focus as speculation grows around Vancouver potentially trading up, trading down, or even finding a way to acquire multiple high-end picks. The hosts explore scenarios involving Caleb Malhotra, Stenberg, and several of the top prospects, while continuing to stress patience and development over rushing young players to the NHL.

    The episode also takes a serious moment to acknowledge the tragic passing of former NHL player Claude Lemieux, leading to an important conversation about concussions, mental health, and the importance of seeking help when it's needed.

    By the end, one theme keeps surfacing:

    The Canucks don't need shortcuts.

    They need patience.

    They need development.

    And for the first time in years, the organization may finally be building toward something with a long-term vision.

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    1 hr and 5 mins
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