The 2025-26 season was absolutely atrocious for the Vancouver Canucks. The Canucks finished the season with an ugly 25-49-8 record and at the bottom of the NHL standings with just 58 points. When noting that they entered the season with the hope of bouncing back from their poor 2024-25 season, there is no question that they disappointed this campaign.
The Canucks have embraced a rebuild due to how poorly this season, too. The Canucks traded players like Quinn Hughes, Kiefer Sherwood, Conor Garland, Tyler Myers, and David Kampf this season. The expectation is that they are going to continue to move on from players during the offseason as they continue to charge toward the future.
Because of this, let’s take a look at three Canucks who could end up being traded this offseason by the Pacific Division club.
Canucks Need to Move on From Center Elias Pettersson
Elias Pettersson is undoubtedly one of the Canucks’ biggest trade candidates to watch during this summer. It is no secret that the 27-year-old center has been in need of a change of scenery for a long time now. The Canucks also should be looking to move on from him, as the fit has not been there for multiple seasons now.
Pettersson’s $11.6 million cap hit until the end of the 2031-32 season and struggles in recent seasons are two major obstacles in a potential trade, though. However, if the Canucks are open to retaining some of his salary, that could help their chances of dealing him. This is especially so when noting that he is on the right side of 30 and has had plenty of past success. Thus, teams looking for a top-six center could have Pettersson on their radar.
Canucks Have Prime Trade Chip in Defenseman Filip Hronek
It is no secret that teams around the NHL are always on the hunt for high-impact right-shot defenseman. Due to this, it would not be surprising if the Canucks listened to offers for star blueliner Filip Hronek this offseason. He would have the potential to get them a significant return in a trade. This is because he is not only a top-pairing defenseman but also has a reasonable $7.25 million cap hit until the end of the 2031-32 season.
Hronek appeared in 82 games this season with the Canucks, where he recorded eight goals and 49 points in 82 games. With numbers like these, he would be a strong pickup for a club looking to boost the right side of their defense.
Canucks Should Listen to Offers for Jake DeBrusk This Offseason
Another notable Canuck who could be on the move this offseason is Jake DeBrusk. The 2015 first-round pick has expressed discontent over the idea of playing for a rebuilding team. Therefore, it would make sense if the Canucks listened to offers for him. This is especially so when noting that he would have the potential to get them a strong return in a deal.
DeBrusk would be a good pickup for a team looking for more scoring in their middle six. Due to this, it would not be shocking if he generates a good amount of interest around the NHL this summer. This is especially so when noting that this year’s free-agent class is weak.
NHL Rumors: 3 Vancouver Canucks Trade Candidates to Watch