As the NHL Trade Deadline Week approaches, the Vancouver Canucks find themselves at a pivotal moment in their franchise history. With a surprising number of players on the trading block, the Canucks’ front office, led by GM Patrik Allvin and POHO Jim Rutherford, is poised to make moves that could reshape the team’s future. Fans and analysts alike are buzzing with anticipation, expecting multiple trades to unfold in the next five days. But here’s where it gets controversial: will the Canucks actually pull the trigger on these deals, or will they repeat past patterns of hesitation? One thing is certain—with so many assets up for grabs, something significant is bound to happen.
But not all trade chips are created equal. From star players to depth pieces, each Canuck on the block brings a unique value to the table. As we dive into this critical week, let’s rank these players by their potential return, keeping in mind that we’ve excluded anyone under 26 and Filip Hronek from this analysis. And this is the part most people miss: the rankings are sure to spark debate, so we welcome your thoughts in the comments!
Elias Pettersson
Potential Return: 1st round pick, quality prospect, young NHLer, cap dump
Starting with the most controversial name, Pettersson’s recent benching hasn’t dimmed his trade value entirely. If rumors are true, teams still see potential in his rebound, making him the Canucks’ most valuable asset. While he’s no longer a true 1C, his past performance suggests a substantial return—think two rebuild pieces, a mid-range NHLer, and salary relief. It’s a bold move, but one that could pay dividends for the Canucks’ future.
Conor Garland
Potential Return: 1st round pick and prospect
Garland’s recent hot streak has only added to his allure. Even without it, his consistent production and effort-based intangibles make him a premium asset. Teams will likely pay a slight premium for his services, making him one of the few players who could fetch a first-round pick—or even more.
Tyler Myers
Potential Return: 2nd round pick and prospect
Myers’ trade value hinges on his destination preferences. A defender of his caliber should command at least a second-round pick, with potential for more if multiple teams are interested. However, the Canucks might accept less to accommodate his wishes—a point that’s sure to divide opinions.
Jake DeBrusk
Potential Return: 2nd round pick and mid-round pick
Despite a recent cold streak, DeBrusk’s scoring history and power-play prowess make him an attractive option. His $5.5 million cap hit remains reasonable, and some teams will bet this season’s struggles are an anomaly. A second-round pick plus a little extra seems fair, but is it enough for the Canucks?
Marcus Pettersson
Potential Return: 2nd round pick and late-round pick
Once a reliable veteran, Pettersson’s value has dipped this season. However, his ability to log minutes and his size still make him a viable option. While a first-round pick is out of reach, a second-round pick with a sweetener could be within grasp—a return that might leave fans split.
Drew O’Connor
Potential Return: Two 3rd round picks
O’Connor’s early-season surge hinted at a massive return, but his recent cooling-off period has tempered expectations. Still, his 20-goal pace, penalty-killing skills, and $2.5 million cap hit make him an excellent depth addition. Two mid-round picks seem like a fair ask, but is that enough for his potential?
Teddy Blueger
Potential Return: 3rd round pick
Blueger’s strong play and reliability at center make him a standout pending UFA. While a second-round pick would be ideal, a third-round pick feels more realistic. But here’s a thought: is Blueger’s value being underestimated in a thin center market?
Evander Kane
Potential Return: 3rd round pick with retention
Kane remains a backup option for many teams, but his value increases if the Canucks retain part of his salary. A third-round pick seems likely, but should the Canucks settle for less to offload him?
Kevin Lankinen
Potential Return: 4th round pick
Lankinen’s recent struggles haven’t completely eroded his value as a reliable backup. A fourth-round pick is plausible, but is trading him now the best move, or should the Canucks wait until the offseason?
David Kampf
Potential Return: 4th round pick
Kampf’s faceoff and penalty-killing skills add slight value, but his lack of offensive upside caps his return at a fourth-round pick. Is this the best the Canucks can do for a depth player?
Brock Boeser
Potential Return: Late pick plus another bad contract
Boeser’s value has plummeted, but his goal-scoring ability might still hold some appeal. Swapping his contract for a shorter-term bad deal could be the Canucks’ best-case scenario. But is it worth it, or should they cut their losses?
Thatcher Demko
Potential Return: No/negative value
Demko’s injury history makes him a tough sell. Until he proves his health, his $8.5 million cap hit is a liability. The Canucks might have to pay to move him, but even then, finding a taker could be a challenge.
Final Thoughts
As the trade deadline looms, the Canucks have a golden opportunity to reshape their roster. But with so many variables at play, the outcomes are far from certain. What do you think? Are these rankings spot-on, or way off base? Which players should the Canucks prioritize trading, and which should they hold onto? Let us know in the comments—we’re eager to hear your take!
Don’t forget to tune in to the Daily Faceoff Trade Deadline Special on March 6th for live coverage, expert analysis, and exclusive insights. It’s going to be a wild ride!
