The Blues chose not to re-sign Upshall, making him an unrestricted free agent. On September 8, 2017, the Vancouver Canucks signed Upshall to a professional tryout. Upshall was later released from his PTO with the Canucks after the Blues suffered a rash of injuries. On September 30, 2017, the Blues signed Upshall to a professional tryout. The following day, the Blues signed him to a one-year, $800,000 contract for the 2017–18 season. Returning to play alongside Kyle Brodziak, Upshall found a regular role on the checking lines of the Blues, registering 7 goals and 19 points in 63 games.