DEAL ACCEPTED: St. Louis Blues Ice hockey Center Dylan Holloway Signs a 4-year Contract With the Vancouver Canucks, worth $109 Million as their new…. See more

In a blockbuster move that’s sending shockwaves through the NHL, the Vancouver Canucks have officially signed St. Louis Blues center Dylan Holloway to a stunning 4-year, $109 million contract, making him not only the new face of the franchise but one of the highest-paid players in league history.

The announcement, confirmed late Saturday evening, follows days of speculation as the Canucks aggressively pursued Holloway during the early free agency window. The 23-year-old Canadian forward is coming off a career-best season with the Blues, tallying 89 points (32 goals, 57 assists) across 78 games. His blend of speed, playmaking ability, and two-way responsibility made him one of the most coveted assets on the market.

A New Era in Vancouver

General Manager Patrik Allvin spoke with excitement at the press conference held at Rogers Arena.

“This is a transformational day for the Vancouver Canucks. Dylan Holloway represents everything we want in our core — elite talent, competitive fire, and leadership potential. We’re thrilled to welcome him to Vancouver as the cornerstone of our team moving forward.”

Holloway is expected to center Vancouver’s top line and take over as the team’s primary offensive catalyst, stepping into a leadership role vacated by the departure of Elias Pettersson earlier this offseason. With this move, the Canucks signal a bold win-now strategy, building around a younger, faster core.

The Contract Breakdown

The $109 million deal, averaging $27.25 million per season, is one of the most lucrative contracts ever awarded in NHL history. While some analysts have raised eyebrows at the figure — particularly given the still-flat salary cap — the Canucks believe Holloway’s value extends beyond the ice.

Sources close to the negotiation report that the deal includes a full no-movement clause, extensive performance bonuses, and endorsements tied into the Canucks’ long-term marketing campaigns.

Holloway’s Reaction

Holloway, addressing the media via video call, expressed excitement about joining Vancouver:

“I couldn’t be more excited to join such a passionate hockey city. The vision the organization shared with me was inspiring — they’re building something big, and I want to be at the center of it. I’m ready to get to work.”

Originally drafted 14th overall by the Edmonton Oilers in 2020, Holloway was traded to St. Louis in 2023 and quickly established himself as a top-line center. Known for his relentless work ethic and high hockey IQ, he now brings those qualities to a Canucks team looking to return to playoff relevance.

What This Means for the Canucks

With this signing, Vancouver now possesses a dynamic centerpiece around which to construct their roster. Holloway will likely be flanked by wingers such as Jonathan Lekkerimäki or Vasily Podkolzin, giving the Canucks an explosive offensive trio. His presence also elevates the expectations for a franchise that has struggled with consistency over the past decade.

Analysts expect the Canucks to remain active in the market, potentially pursuing another top-four defenseman or a veteran goaltender to solidify their postseason ambitions.

Bottom Line:

This deal marks a seismic shift in the NHL landscape — and particularly in the Pacific Division. The Canucks have made their intentions clear: they’re all in. With Dylan Holloway now at the helm, the team is poised to become one of the league’s most compelling stories in the 2025–26 season and beyond.