The 2025-26 season was a nightmare for the Vancouver Canucks. After entering the season with the hope of bouncing back from their tough 2024-25 season, the Canucks instead took another massive step in the wrong direction. The Canucks finished the 2025-26 campaign with an atrocious 25-49-8 record and at the bottom of the NHL standings with just 58 points.
Due to how poorly the Canucks played this season, they traded away multiple players during the campaign. Former captain Quinn Hughes was, of course, the most notable player that the Canucks moved this season. However, Vancouver also dealt other players like Conor Garland, Tyler Myers, David Kampf, and Lukas Reichel. With this, the Canucks made it clear that they are entering a new chapter in their franchise.
There is certainly a real chance that the Canucks could end up moving more of their veteran players during the offseason, too. A few Canucks who have created plenty of chatter in the rumor mill include Brock Boeser, Elias Pettersson, Jake DeBrusk, and Thatcher Demko.
However, while it is likely that the Canucks will do some selling this summer, they also should not be against the prospect of adding to their roster. This is especially so if a potential trade target would have the potential to benefit them in the long-term.
Due to this, let’s take a look at two players who the Canucks should strongly consider targeting this offseason.
Bowen Byram Would Be a Strong Fit on the Canucks’ Top Pairing
The Canucks have been linked to Bowen Byram in the past, and it would not be all that surprising if they had him on their radar this summer. It is clear that the Canucks need to improve the left side of their blueline, and Byram would have the potential to be a perfect fit on their top pairing because of it.
Byram had a strong regular season with the Buffalo Sabres, posting new career highs with 11 goals, 31 assists, and 42 points in 82 games. He also has three goals and five points in five playoff games so far with Buffalo this spring. With numbers like these, he would be a nice pickup for Vancouver’s power play. Furthermore, at just 24 years old, the Cranbrook, British Columbia native could be a great long-term fit for the Canucks. However, the Canucks would need to extend him, as his current deal ends after the 2026-27 season.
Alexis Lafreniere Would Be a Good Young Forward for the Canucks to Add
Alexis Lafreniere could use a change of scenery, and the Canucks would be wise to kick tires on him because of it. The 2020 first-overall pick would be a strong addition to the Canucks’ top six and power play if acquired. In 82 games this season with the New York Rangers, he had 24 goals and 57 points.
At 24 years old, Lafreniere is also still young enough that he could hit a new level if given a fresh start. Perhaps he could take that next step on a team focused on the future, like Vancouver. Lafreniere would also be more than a rental for Vancouver, as he has a $7.45 million cap hit until the end of the 2031-31 season.
NHL Rumors: 2 Vancouver Canucks Offseason Trade Targets