Former Vancouver Canucks D-Man Extends His Pro Career with New Contract Amid Lack of NHL Interest
Photo credit: Jae C. Hong - Keystone
A former Vancouver Canucks defenseman, and veteran of nearly 500 games in the National Hockey League, has signed a new contract extension to remain in Europe.
The 2025-26 season is in full swing across Europe, with a number of former Vancouver Canucks in action, including reigning KHL MVP Josh Leivo - who has 11 points in seven games, along with Cole Cassels in Slovakia and Daniel Sprong, who is also in Russia.
Meanwhile in Switzerland's top division - National League, one team is looking to the future after winning back-to-back league titles, as well as the 2024-25 Champions Hockey League, and have inked a trio of players, including a former Vancouver Canucks defenseman, to contract extensions.
Former Vancouver Canucks defenseman signs contract extension in Europe
In a press release on Monday, the ZSC Lions announced that they've agreed to terms on a one-year contract extension for the 2026-27 season with former Vancouver Canucks & NHL defenseman Yannick Weber.
Note: the quotes in this story are translated from German
"The ZSC Lions have extended the contracts of their three defenders, Patrick Geering, Dean Kukan, and Yannick Weber. Geering and Weber have signed for another season, up to and including the 2026/27 season. Dean Kukan's contract, which was valid until and including the 2026/27 season, has been prematurely extended for two more years, up to and including the 2028/29 season." the club said.
ZSC Lions Sports director Sven Leuenberger commented on the decision to extend Yannick Weber's contract through the 2026-26 season, calling the former Canuck one of the best defenseman in all of Switzerland.
"Defensively, he's one of the best defenders in Switzerland. Yannick plays hard, can help us offensively, and has a great shot. In terms of physical condition and professional attitude, he's a role model for our young players. With the Zett, Yannick won the two national championship titles in 2024 and 2025, as well as the 2025 Champions Hockey League." Leuenberger said.
Weber, 37, was a third round pick of the Montreal Canadiens in 2007 and went on to appear in 499 NHL games with them, the Vancouver Canucks, Nashville Predators and Pittsburgh Penguins, registering 94 points (28 goals, 66 assists) and 195 penalty minutes.
In the summer of 2021, Weber decided to head home to Switzerland and has been suiting up for the ZSC Lions ever since and is off to a hot start to the 2025-26 campaign, putting up five points in nine games.
Source: ZSC Lions
Geering, Kukan and Weber stay at ZSC
Geering, Kukan and Weber stay at ZSC
Previously on CanucksDaily
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SEPTEMBRE 29 | 787 ANSWERS Former Vancouver Canucks D-Man Extends His Pro Career with New Contract Amid Lack of NHL Interest Do you think Yannick Weber will retire from professional hockey following the 2026-27 season? | ||
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