The Vancouver Canucks had a disappointing season last year and are looking to be a playoff team again, but if that is the case, they need to add more talent to the roster.
Heavy.com has a trade idea that sees the Canucks acquiring Mason McTavish from the Anaheim Ducks in a blockbuster deal.
Canucks acquire:
Ducks acquire:
- Tom Willander
- Nils Hoglander
- 2026 first-round pick
The proposed deal would be a blockbuster as Vancouver would acquire McTavish, who’s a star young centerman. However, the Canucks would give up their top prospect, an NHL player, and a first-round pick.
McTavish would be a first or second-line center and add some youth and more talent to the roster. He’s still an RFA as he hasn’t signed, which has put his name in trade rumors. McTavish is 22 after being selected third overall in 2021. He recorded 22 goals and 30 assists for 52 points in 76 games. McTavish would be a key part of the Canucks’ core for years to come. The deal would come with McTavish signing a massive extension in Vancouver.
The Canucks would give up a first-round pick and Willander, who are the two biggest parts of the deal. Willander was selected 11th overall in 2023 and is one of the best defensive prospects in the NHL. He would compete for a roster spot in Anaheim next season and be a key part of their core.
Anaheim would also acquire Hoglander, who would help replace the void of McTavish. He’s entering the first year of a three-year, $9 million deal. Hoglander recorded 8 goals and 17 assists for 25 points in 72 games. Hoglander would be a third-line forward for the Ducks.
Insider Unsure if Ducks Will Move McTavish
McTavish is already a top-six forward and could develop into a first-line center in the NHL.
However, McTavish and the Ducks haven’t been able to agree to an extension, which has put his name in trade rumors. NHL insider Anthony DiMarco of DailyFaceoff thinks a trade could happen the longer this goes.
“This is a piggyback off of the first question, but it is fun to conjure up a potential trade on the horizon,” DiMarco wrote. “I am not sure if he will move eventually, but I am very curious to see what happens with Mason McTavish with the Anaheim Ducks. After the trade of Trevor Zegras to the Philadelphia Flyers, I can’t imagine that McTavish doesn’t stay put in Anaheim.
“But with each passing day as we get deeper into the summer, you have to wonder how this all plays out.,” DiMarco added. “If there is an eventual path to McTavish being moved, you can be sure that there will be no shortage of teams waiting in line to inquire about his services.”
If McTavish is up for trade, several teams should be interested in the impact young centerman.
Canucks Bring in New Coach After Disappointing Year
Vancouver was one of the most disappointing teams last season, and the Canucks had a coaching change.
Rick Tocchet left the team to take the Flyers coaching job, and Adam Foote replaced him. Foote had been an assistant with the Canucks and was a star defenseman in the NHL.
Canucks general manager Patrik Allvin believes Foote will help turn the Canucks around.
“He knows this group better than anyone else we interviewed and has inside knowledge and understanding of what it will take to get us back to where we want to be,” Allvin said. “Adam brings structure, accountability, and a detail-oriented approach to his coaching, a process that will send a clear message to our group about the way we want to compete, practice, and play hockey. We are very happy to have him take over as the new head coach of the Vancouver Canucks.”
The Canucks finished the year with a record of 38-30-14 record.
Canucks Add Star Young Center From Rival in Blockbuster Trade Pitch