A recent lawsuit filed by Paolo Aquilini's son has revealed intriguing details about the ownership structure of the Vancouver Canucks. The Aquilini family has controlled the franchise since they first invested in it over a decade ago. However, prior to 2015, Luigi Aquilini, the family's patriarch, did not hold a controlling ownership stake in the team.

The lawsuit indicates that a reorganization of the Elisa trust allowed Luigi to gain a direct controlling stake in the Canucks after 2015. This was achieved through a 40 percent share held by the trust in the Aquilini Investment Group (AIG). The remaining 60 percent of the team is owned by Luigi's three sons: Francesco, Roberto, and Paolo. AIG serves as the holding company for the family's various business interests, including the Canucks.

Despite not having a formal controlling stake before 2015, Luigi Aquilini remained actively involved in the family's business operations. He participated in meetings that addressed the management of the Canucks, as well as other ventures such as their berry farm, hotels, and residential properties.

The decision to formalize his controlling position in 2015 raises questions about the family's governance and future direction. Observers are curious to see how this legal matter will unfold in the coming months.

In other news, the Canucks are preparing for the upcoming NHL season, with discussions about rookie Braeden Cootes potentially starting on the NHL roster. Scouts have praised Cootes for his skills, work ethic, and intelligence, suggesting he could be a valuable addition to the team. However, for him to secure a spot, the Canucks would need to waive either Linus Karlsson or Arshdeep Bains, both of whom require waivers.

As the team gears up for training camp, veteran player Quinn Hughes reflected on the passage of time. At 26, he noted, "For the first time some guys look young to me, and I haven’t really been able to say that." His comments elicited laughter from the media, highlighting the changing dynamics within the team.

Meanwhile, Thomas Muller of the Vancouver Whitecaps is facing an adductor strain that will keep him out of action for the weekend. His excitement for his first MLS road trip was tempered by this injury, which he reported to coach Jesper Sorensen earlier this week.

Lastly, the Vancouver Rise have had a rollercoaster season, recently suffering back-to-back losses after an undefeated streak. Despite the ups and downs, they are expected to make the playoffs and continue to draw good crowds.