The Vancouver Canucks entered the 2025-26 season with the hope of turning things back around after their tough 2024-25 campaign. However, the Canucks instead took another massive step in the wrong direction this season, as they finished the campaign at the bottom of the NHL standings with a 25-49-8 record and 58 points. This comes just two years after the Canucks had a 50-23-9 record, so things have certainly changed in a horrible way for Vancouver.
Due to how terribly this season went for the Canucks, they moved on from multiple notable players during the campaign. The Canucks traded Quinn Hughes, Conor Garland, Tyler Myers, David Kampf, and Lukas Reichel this season.
Yet, with how badly this season went for the Canucks, it is clear that they should be continuing to move on from more of their players during the offseason. This is the case whether they decide to make trades or simply let them leave through free agency.
Due to this, let’s take a look at three Canucks players who likely will not be back in Vancouver next season.
Elias Pettersson Is the Canucks’ Biggest Trade Candidate
It is no secret that Elias Pettersson needs a change of scenery, and this could be the summer that he finally gets it. With this year’s free agent market being weak at the center position, that could lead to him receiving interest from multiple clubs this summer.
Pettersson would be a good addition for a team looking to add a top-six center. This is especially so if he regained his 102-point form after getting a fresh start with a new team. Pettersson’s $11.6 million cap hit until the end of the 2031-32 season could make trading him tricky, but it certainly still could happen this summer. This is especially so if Vancouver ends up being willing to retain some of his salary.
Evander Kane & Canucks Will Likely Move on From Each Other
During this past offseason, the Canucks acquired Evander Kane from the Edmonton Oilers in exchange for a 2025 fourth-round pick. The hope was that Kane would provide the Canucks’ top nine with a nice boost, but the fit was simply not there. In 71 games this season with the Canucks, Kane had 13 goals, 31 points, and a minus-20 rating.
With how this season went for Kane in Vancouver, it would not be surprising if both sides decided to move on from each other. At 34 years old, Kane is simply not a fit on a rebuilding team like the Canucks and will likely look to test the free-agent market this summer because of it.
Derek Forbort Is Another Canucks Pending UFA Who Probably Won’t Be Back
It would not be surprising if the Canucks decide to move on from Derek Forbort this offseason. At 34 years old, it is hard to see the pending unrestricted free agent (UFA) defenseman being a fit on the Canucks any longer.
Forbort also barely played this season, as he appeared in just two games for the Canucks on the year due to injury. This also would make it surprising if he ends up staying put with the Canucks for next season.
3 Vancouver Canucks Who Likely Won’t Be Back Next Season