The Vancouver Canucks head into one of the most important seasons in team history. The club will be rolling with new coach Adam Foote behind the bench, looking to return to the playoffs. However, a tumultuous 2024-25 season led to major roster changes. But those changes may not be complete.
The Canucks may continue tweaking their roster in order to capitalize on young players coming up through the ranks. The club may also look to move on from some veteran names. That, coupled with a slow start, could lead the Canucks to blow everything up this upcoming season.
So, here’s a look at the top three Vancouver Canucks trade candidates for the 2025-26 season.
Top 3 Canucks Trade Candidates in 2025-26
Teddy Blueger
Teddy Blueger is a veteran bottom-six forward who can play down the middle and on the wings. On a playoff team, he could provide much-needed depth. On a non-playoff team, he might be somewhat of a luxury.
That’s why, if the Canucks find themselves outside of a playoff spot, they could move on from Blueger. Contending clubs could find usefulness for the 31-year-old, especially heading into the postseason.
Blueger is in the final year of his current contract. He comes with a $1.8 million cap hit and a 12-team no-trade clause. The Canucks may be a bit hamstrung in moving him. But given his cap hit and usefulness, it wouldn’t be tough to find a suitor for him.
Drew O’Connor
Drew O’Connor is another solid depth piece. At 27, he’s younger than Blueger and can play both wings. That’s useful for a contending club looking to fill out its bottom-six set. He’s also a gritty player who can put the puck in the back of the net.
His $2.5 million cap hit for the next two seasons could be a relative turnoff. Still, the value he provides is something contenders could be looking to add at the trade deadline.
Evander Kane
The Canucks brought in hometown player Evander Kane in a deal with the Edmonton Oilers this summer. However, rumors have already swirled about Kane heading out the door. He’s in the final year of his current contract, which comes with a $5.125 million cap hit.
His 16-team approved trade list could facilitate a move, though it’s unclear who may be interested in Kane. Nevertheless, a good start to the season could make it easier to trade him.
Injury concerns could make some teams unsure about the 34-year-old. Still, Kane could be a solid addition for a contender looking to boost scoring and toughness in the postseason.
A Slow Start Could Precipitate Canucks’ Moves
The Vancouver Canucks view themselves as playoff contenders. They are one year removed from a second-round appearance and still have a decent core. If Elias Pettersson can rebound, Thatcher Demko stays healthy, and Quinn Hughes does what he does, the Canucks could be on track to return to the playoffs.
However, there’s a chance the wheels could fall off. If that’s the case, the Canucks may blow things up. If that’s the path forward, fans could see noteworthy changes in hopes of shaking things up before it’s too late.
What those changes may look like will depend on where other clubs stand. Injuries and poor play from major contenders could aid the Canucks in getting valuable returns for their pieces.
Canucks Top 3 Trade Candidates in 2025-26