The Vancouver Canucks are listening to trade offers on veteran players as they navigate a disappointing 9-12-2 start to the season. Management aims to get younger without a full rebuild, but potential moves could jeopardize efforts to retain captain Quinn Hughes. Hughes, entering the final year of his contract next season, has expressed interest in possibly joining his brothers with the New Jersey Devils.
Vancouver's early-season struggles have prompted general manager Patrik Allvin and president Jim Rutherford to explore trades for experienced players, according to Sportsnet insider Elliotte Friedman. The Canucks have a 9-12-2 record through 23 games, placing them in the bottom tier of the NHL in shots against, scoring chances, and high-danger chances per 60 minutes. Injuries have forced the use of 29 skaters and three goaltenders, exacerbating defensive woes since October 21.
Rutherford emphasized in a pre-road trip interview that the team is in transition, not pursuing a rebuild. "Rebuilds take a long time," he said. "We're not trading all these players for draft picks that may or may not end up playing someday." The focus is on acquiring younger NHL contributors to build a consistent contender, but deletions of key veterans could push Hughes toward free agency in 2027 or a trade request sooner.
Hughes, 26, is not currently on the trade block, but insiders like Rick Dhaliwal note the organization believes moving him this year—if he won't commit long-term—might yield better returns than next season. His $7.875 million cap hit has two years left, attracting interest from teams like Chicago, Columbus, Carolina, Calgary, Anaheim, and Detroit. The New Jersey Devils, where brothers Jack and Luke play—Luke signed through 2032—remain a prime destination.
Potential trade targets include unrestricted free agents Kiefer Sherwood (12 goals in 23 games, leading the team), Evander Kane (three goals, $5.125 million cap hit), and Teddy Blueger, all on expiring deals. Injured players Thatcher Demko ($5 million AAV) and Derek Forbort could also draw interest, though Demko lacks a no-move clause until next season. Conor Garland and Filip Hronek are mentioned but protected or unlikely to move. Contract talks with Sherwood stalled last summer due to his age and roster depth.
Analysts like Thomas Drance suggest Kane, Blueger, and Sherwood may be shopped first for younger assets or picks before the March 6 deadline. However, ESPN's Greg Wyshynski cautions that numerous no-move clauses—on players like Elias Pettersson, Filip Hronek, and Tyler Myers—limit options, calling major moves challenging. The Canucks begin a four-game road trip Wednesday against the Anaheim Ducks, with fans growing apathetic amid the uncertainty.