Vancouver Canucks: Trade Deadline Updates
The Vancouver Canucks' season has been nothing short of a rollercoaster ride. What began as a campaign filled with Stanley Cup aspirations quickly spiraled into chaos, largely due to the ongoing tension surrounding J.T. Miller and Elias Pettersson.
Despite the turmoil, the Canucks have managed to stay afloat and currently hold a playoff spot. With a solid 6-3-1 record in their last ten games, the Canucks are trending upward, and if their new additions can gel quickly, they could become a more formidable force as the season progresses.
Record: 26-20-11, 4th in the Pacific Division
Deadline Status: Cautious Buyer
Deadline Cap Space: $10.41 million on deadline day, 2/3 retention spots used, 46/50 contract spots used, per PuckPedia.
Upcoming Draft Picks:
2025: VAN 1st, VAN 2nd, OTT 4th, VAN 5th, VAN 6th, VAN 7th
2026: VAN 1st, VAN 2nd, VAN 4th, VAN 5th, VAN 6th
Trade Chips:
1. The spotlight remains firmly on Elias Pettersson, whose future with the team continues to be a hot topic. Despite his struggles this season—just 11 goals and 24 assists in 51 games—moving him seems unlikely given his hefty $11.6 million annual contract with seven years remaining.
Pettersson’s underwhelming performance at the 4 Nations Face-Off for Sweden, where he failed to register a point in three games, further dampened his trade value. While TSN Hockey has removed him from their trade bait board, speculation about a potential summer move persists.
2. Another name in the mix is Brock Boeser, whose tenure in Vancouver has been a mixed bag. With free agency looming in just four months, the Canucks might consider flipping Boeser to acquire assets for a bigger move. Despite his ten-team no-trade clause, interest from teams not on his list could make a deal feasible.
3. If Vancouver decides to dive deeper into the trade market, they have future assets to offer, including their first and second-round picks in the next two drafts. Prospects like Jonathan Lekkerimäki, the 15th overall pick in 2022, could also be a valuable trade piece. Though he hasn’t yet cracked the NHL, Lekkerimäki’s near point-per-game production in the AHL with 26 points in 30 games, makes him an enticing option for teams eyeing young, NHL-ready talent.
Team Needs:
1. Top-Six Center: The Canucks’ center depth has taken a hit since last season, with Elias Lindholm and J.T. Miller no longer anchoring the top lines. Filip Chytil and Pettersson are currently holding down the fort, but neither has been able to elevate the team to compete with Western Conference powerhouses like Edmonton or Vegas.
A true top-six center is a glaring need, though options are limited. Brock Nelson of the Islanders could be a rental option, but his price tag would be steep. Brayden Schenn, despite his declining production, might be a stopgap, while Dylan Cozens of Buffalo presents an intriguing buy-low opportunity. Cozens, just two years removed from a 68-point season, could thrive with a change of scenery.
2. Scoring Help: Scoring has been a persistent issue for the Canucks, who rank 25th in the NHL in goals. Drew O’Connor, recently acquired, has shown flashes but isn’t a long-term solution for the top line. If Vancouver wants to make a splash, Rickard Rakell of the Penguins could be a perfect fit. With 25 goals and 24 assists in 58 games, Rakell’s versatility and term on his contract make him an attractive target, though acquiring him would come at a high cost.
For cheaper rental options, Kyle Palmieri or Joel Armia could provide depth scoring.
With the trade deadline approaching, Vancouver’s front office faces a critical decision: push for a playoff run or retool for the future. One thing is certain—this season has been anything but predictable for the Canucks and their fans.
Image - Jerome Miron - Imagn
