Canucks Facing Tough Injuries And Trade Decisions As Deadline Looms

The Vancouver Canucks’ season took an unexpected turn on February 21 as two of their star players, Elias Pettersson and Quinn Hughes, exited practice early, leaving fans and analysts speculating about their immediate availability. 

Head coach Rick Tocchet provided updates on both players, revealing that Pettersson is day-to-day with an injury sustained during the 4 Nations Face-Off tournament, while Hughes is unlikely to suit up for Saturday’s clash against the Vegas Golden Knights. 

Per Canucks coach Rick Tocchet, C Elias Pettersson's status is day-to-day w injury from 4 Nations, and it doesn't appear Quinn Hughes will be ready to play SAT vs VGK. Both Pettersson and Hughes left the ice shortly after today's practice began.

— Iain MacIntyre (@imacSportsnet) February 22, 2025

Injury Trouble

Following practice on Friday, Rick Tocchet addressed the media and revealed that Quinn Hughes will be unavailable for Saturday’s matchup against the Vegas Golden Knights.

Hughes has been sidelined since January 31, when he sustained a suspected oblique injury during a game against the Dallas Stars. The injury also forced him to miss the 4 Nations Face-Off tournament, a significant blow for both the defenseman and the team. 

Despite the setback, the 25-year-old has been a consistent force for the Canucks this season, tallying 59 points from 14 goals, 45 assists, 27 penalty minutes, and a plus-15 rating through 47 games.

Meanwhile, Elias Pettersson’s status remains uncertain. Tocchet described the forward as day-to-day, citing an injury he sustained during the 4 Nations Face-Off. This update comes after Pettersson was spotted icing his knee in a recent Sportsnet documentary about the tournament. 

Frank Seravalli writes, "Teams wanted to see what Pettersson looked like outside of the Vancouver environment. Now for Vancouver, the risk of selling too low on him must be balanced with the risk of being stuck with his contract.”

So far this season, Pettersson has recorded 34 points from 11 goals and 23 assists, 12 penalty minutes, and a minus-3 rating in 49 games.

Trade Speculation

Trade rumors are heating up around Brock Boeser, as contract talks between the forward and the Canucks have reportedly reached an impasse. According to Elite Prospects’ Cam Robinson, a trade could be imminent. Boeser, who racked up 40 goals and 73 points last season, remains a valuable asset for playoff contenders. 

This year, he’s on pace for 30 goals and 60 points, proving his breakout performance was no fluke.

I'm told that both Brock Boeser and the Canucks understand what each side wants... and it's not the same thing at this point.

Teams continue to call on him, while the club considers the value of using him as their own rental for a playoff run if common ground can't be found.

— Cam Robinson (@Hockey_Robinson) February 21, 2025

Meanwhile, the Canucks’ goaltending situation is under scrutiny. Kevin Lankinen’s recent contract extension has sparked speculation about Thatcher Demko’s future. 

While Vancouver can negotiate a new deal with Demko starting July 1, a long-term contract seems unlikely. This raises questions about whether Demko’s time with the team is winding down.

Notably, insider Rick Dhaliwal revealed that Lankinen took a slight pay cut to stay in Vancouver, potentially signaling his long-term commitment to the team.

Image - Bob Frid - Imagn