Report: Canucks' Projected Trade Deadline Approach
The “Not Moving” tier features key pieces like Quinn Hughes, Filip Hronek, Jake DeBrusk, Conor Garland, Dakota Joshua, Tyler Myers, Carson Soucy, Teddy Blueger, and Kiefer Sherwood, with Drance and Dayal noting that Hughes and Hronek form one of the league’s best defensive pairings.
Myers and Soucy, protected by their contracts, are unlikely to be dealt, while DeBrusk and Garland provide stability up front.
That is an unbelievably perfect pass from Quinn Hughes. pic.twitter.com/64Z2ECm0Di
— David Quadrelli (@QuadrelliD) January 28, 2025
The “Probably Not Moving But…” category includes Thatcher Demko and Kevin Lankinen, where trades aren’t imminent but could materialize.
Demko has struggled since returning from injury, and Lankinen, despite strong performances, enters an uncertain market as extension talks continue.
Nils Höglander lands in the “Tough Decisions” tier as his inconsistent play and friction with head coach Rick Tocchet leave his future unclear.
Nils Hoglander scores off the rush for the #PayOfTheGame! @PlayNowSports pic.twitter.com/z6tKzj2iIz
— Sportsnet 650 (@Sportsnet650) January 30, 2025
The “Franchise-Altering Decision” category is led by Elias Pettersson, whose name has surfaced in trade discussions. Drance and Dayal report that a deal with Carolina was close before the Mikko Rantanen trade, and management remains open to moving him for the right return.
“The ramifications of what comes next could define the rest of this decade for the franchise,” they write.
Brock Boeser, a pending UFA, sits in the “On the Block” tier as extension talks have stalled, making a trade likely unless negotiations progress.
Brock Boeser scores his 193rd career goal, tying Alex Burrows for 10th on the #Canucks all-time list pic.twitter.com/OXqwVcayiX
— Sportsnet Stats (@SNstats) January 1, 2025
Drance and Dayal estimate his next deal could land around $8.75 million per year, a commitment the Canucks may hesitate to make.
Danton Heinen and Vincent Desharnais fall into the “If There’s a Market” category due to diminished roles, while Pius Suter, Derek Forbort, and Noah Juulsen make up the “Deadline Depth” tier as rental options for contenders.
