The Vancouver Canucks suffered a 6-3 defeat to the Montreal Canadiens, extending their losing streak to seven games and their poor run to nine losses in the last 10. General manager Patrik Allvin acknowledged the team is transitioning into a rebuild, signaling potential trades ahead of the March 6 deadline. This comes amid struggles with scoring and a last-place standing in the NHL.
The Vancouver Canucks' 2025-26 season has hit rock bottom, culminating in a 6-3 loss to the Montreal Canadiens at the Bell Centre on Monday night. This marked their seventh consecutive defeat and the ninth loss in their last 10 games, leaving them with a 16-24-5 record and dead last in the NHL standings with a points percentage of 0.411 percent.
General manager Patrik Allvin spoke candidly the day before the game, telling Canucks writer Chris Faber that the team is "transitioning into a rebuild." This admission follows the trade of defenseman Quinn Hughes, one of the franchise's best ever, and indicates a shift toward youth and draft picks. With the NHL Trade Deadline on March 6 approaching—though an Olympic freeze will pause deals from February 4-22—Allvin and president of hockey operations Jim Rutherford are actively fielding offers.
Trade rumors swirl around several veterans. Power forward Kiefer Sherwood, the team's leading scorer with 17 goals despite an undisclosed injury, is a prime candidate; the Canucks seek a first-round pick and another asset for the pending unrestricted free agent. Winger Jake DeBrusk, with 22 points in 44 games, holds a no-movement clause but sources suggest he might approve a deal for the right opportunity. Other names in discussions include Evander Kane, Conor Garland, Drew O’Connor, Teddy Blueger, and David Kampf.
Amid the teardown talk, calls grow to integrate prospects. Jonathan Lekkerimaki, thriving in the AHL with Abbotsford with seven goals and 12 points, could provide offensive spark. In 32 NHL games, he has eight points, and pairing him with Elias Pettersson and Jake DeBrusk might boost scoring. The Canucks' power play ranks 18th at 19.7 percent, but goals against total 163, worst in the league at 31st.
Goaltending woes persist with Thatcher Demko sidelined indefinitely; Kevin Lankinen leads in minutes played. Pettersson tops skaters with 27 points, but ranks just 135th league-wide. Upcoming games include Ottawa Senators, Columbus Blue Jackets, Edmonton Oilers, New York Islanders, and Washington Capitals, offering little relief for a team focused on the future.