Canucks Start Meriläinen Against Devils as Gallagher and Schenn Return

The Vancouver Canucks will face the New Jersey Devils on Saturday, October 10, 2026, at Prudential Center, with Leevi Meriläinen starting in goal and Brendan Gallagher and Luke Schenn returning to the lineup. Vancouver is opening a back-to-back weekend with two personnel changes as it prepares for the matchup.

According to The Hockey News, Meriläinen is set for his second start of the season after an effective relief appearance against an opponent on Thursday. The 24-year-old stopped 14 of the 15 shots he faced during the third period of that game.

Meriläinen enters the matchup with a 1-0-0 record and a .940 save percentage this season, according to the outlet. His performance in relief preceded the decision to give him another start against New Jersey.

Vancouver will also adjust its forward group and defensive lineup for Saturday's game. Gallagher will return up front, replacing Aatu Räty, while Schenn will rejoin the lineup in place of Victor Mancini, who will be out of the active lineup.

The changes give the Canucks two returning players for the opening game of their consecutive-day schedule. The Hockey News identified Gallagher's return at forward and Schenn's return on defense as the team's two lineup adjustments.

Saturday's matchup follows two meetings between Vancouver and New Jersey last season, when the teams split the series, according to The Hockey News. The latest contest provides the clubs with their first meeting of the 2026-27 season described in the report.

The game is scheduled to begin at 12:30 p.m. Pacific Time at Prudential Center. Sportsnet will televise the matchup, according to the published game information.