In 1970 they joined the National Hockey League along with fellow expansion team, the Buffalo Sabres.

Andy Bathgate (inducted in 1978) played with Vancouver for four years (1952–54 and 1968–70) and was on the team for their final two championships.

In 1969–70, he recorded 108 points in 72 games, earning the George Leader Cup as league MVP.

Johnny Bower, Tony Esposito, Allan Stanley and Gump Worsley – all Hall of Fame inductees – have all played one season with the Canucks.

1948–49: Bill Cowley 1949–50: Bill Carse 1950–51: Bill Carse replaced by Murph Chamberlain 1951–52: Murph Chamberlain; replaced by Hugh Currie; replaced by Joe Carveth 1959–61: Art Chapman 1961–62: Phil Maloney (11–35–3); replaced by Hugh Currie (7–13–1) (February 7, 1962) 1962–63: Max McNab 1966–67: Bert Olmstead 1967–68: Jim Gregory 1968–69: Joe Crozier 1969–70: Joe Crozier; replaced by Hal Laycoe 1948–49: Bill Cowley 1949–50: Coleman E. Hall 1950–51: – 1960–61: Coley Hall 1961–62: Art Chapman (temp); replaced by Dave Dauphine (after Nov.) 1962–63: Max McNab 1967–68: Annis Stukus 1968–69: Joe Crozier 1969–70: Joe Crozier; replaced by Bud Poile 1948–61: Coleman E. Hall 1962–63: Fred J. Hume (owner) 1968–69: Cyrus McLean 1969–70: Cyrus McLean; replaced by Thomas K. Scallen Leader Cup – MVP Rookie Award Most Gentlemanly Player – Fred J. Hume Cup Outstanding Defenseman – Hal Laycoe Cup Leading Scorer Award Outstanding Goaltender Award Note: GP = Games played, W = Wins, L = Losses, T = Ties Pts = Points, GF = Goals for, GA = Goals against