Some ailing players the Vancouver Canucks could target for their rebuild
Harman Dayal and Thomas Drance from The Athletic: While it may not be as desperately needed as it was during the flat cap era, there may be players who have salary and term left on their contracts that their current club wouldn’t mind moving. The Canucks should keep an eye out for the extra asset that could be added to sweeten the pot.
Warren Foegele – Left Winger – Los Angeles Kings – (written before Kevin Fiala was lost for the season) One year left at $3.5 million and one season away from 24 goals. Could acquire and sell at deadline next year. Canucks could sell Drew O’Connor high and replace him with Foegele.
Ryan Strome – Center – Anaheim Ducks – Has another season at $5 million and is healthy scratched. A natural center without trade protection. The Ducks don’t have to worry about cap issues, so they may not bond much, if anything. What about Strome and a mid-round pick for Teddy Blueger?
Barrett Hayton – Center – Utah Mammoth – His role has been reduced, and the running RFA has arbitration rights this season. He would draw interest from around the league if he is made available, so if the Canucks want to land him, he would have to be part of a bigger trade, perhaps Elias Pettersson or Jake DeBrusk.
Andrew Mangiapane – Left Winger – Edmonton Oilers – The Oilers will have to move his $3.6 million forward another year if they want to add anyone at the deadline. It could take a third-round pick to move the contract.
Oliver Bjorkstrand – Right Winger – Tampa Bay Lightning – On pace for 15 goals and 40 points, but more was expected with a $5.4 million cap hit and top power play time. The Lightning don’t have a lot of room to work with, and if they can add someone who makes a difference, they may have to move up their salary.
Some prospects the Vancouver Canucks could focus on for their rebuild
Harman Dayal and Thomas Drance from The Athletic: The Vancouver Canucks have UFAs Teddy Blueger, Evander Kane and David Kampf pending to trade before the deadline. Fans are hoping that an experienced, term-limited player will also be moved.
Sources have said the Canucks don’t think they can simply flip the draft picks. They will also be looking to the trade market for reclamation projects or veterans’ distressed assets. They will also look to some young players to help with the rebuild.
Dominic James and Conor Geekie – Centers – Tampa Bay Lightning – If the Lightning can’t move James since he’s been able to hold down a roster spot this year, they might move Geekie, who could be a middle-six forward.
Jiri Kulich – Center – Buffalo Sabers – The Sabers have a wave of young forwards of a similar age, making it difficult to find opportunities for all of them. Out indefinitely this season with blood clots, and possibly passed down the depth charts, could make him expendable for the Sabers looking to add.
Ivan Miroshnichenko – LW – Washington Capitals – He has been passed over on the prospect depth charts and the Caps are deep on the left side. His play is something the Canucks can use.
Jared Wright – RW – Los Angeles Kings – Rookie AHL season. Produced well, but not at star level. Could be a solid third-line player. Instead of a draft pick for, say, Evander Kane with pay, the Canucks ask for Wright.
Carter Bear – LW – Detroit Red Wings – 2025 13th overall last year. If the Red Wings want to make a big splash, they might prefer to move Bear over Nate Danielson or Axel Sandin-Pellikka.
Max Curran – C – Colorado Avalanche – Avs don’t have many assets left in the system after years of calling it quits. They may be interested in adding depth on the deadline. He is an intriguing long-term project after being drafted in the fifth round of the 2024 draft.
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