3 early Canucks trade candidates after missing 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs

What has been one of the most miserable seasons in the history of the Vancouver Canucks finally comes to a merciful end this week, as they finished well outside of the Stanley Cup Playoffs with a paltry record of 25-48-8, good for dead last in the NHL’s Pacific Division.

It could be a major offseason of change for the Canucks, who made it clear weeks ago that they had to face the reality of considering deals for anyone on the roster as their season continued to come crashing down around them.

“When we started the process […] the intent at the start was to not get into any core player. It may very well end up staying that way,” Canucks President of Hockey Operations Jim Rutherford explained in late January. “But it certainly would not make any sense for Patrik [Allvin] to not listen to anybody.”

“We may end up saying no to offers, certainly, but we’re not going to say no to having conversations about any player. This is about improving this team without taking shortcuts.”

The Canucks made multiple trades during the season that was, starting with the blockbuster move of captain and former Norris Trophy winner Quinn Hughes to the Minnesota Wild for Marco Rossi, Liam Ohgren, Zeev Buium, and a 2026 first-round pick in mid-December.

Near the NHL Trade Deadline in March, the Canucks traded defenseman Tyler Myers to the Dallas Stars for a 2027 2nd-round pick and a 2029 4th-round pick while retaining half of his salary; they also traded Kiefer Sherwood to the San Jose Sharks for a 2026 second-round pick, a 2027 second-round pick and AHL defenseman Cole Clayton.

That being said, there are still multiple players on the current Canucks roster who could find themselves in new situations for next month. Who are the top remaining trade candidates that Vancouver could consider parting ways with if they decide to go full scorched-earth rebuild?

Elias Pettersson needs a change of scenery from Vancouver

The Swedish-born forward, whom the Canucks selected in the first round (fifth overall) of the 2017 NHL Entry Draft, was one of the most heavily-discussed names in NHL trade circles in the days and weeks leading up to last month’s NHL trade deadline.

However, the Canucks were unable to find any takers for Pettersson, who carries a hefty salary cap hit on his contract for several more seasons at just under $12 million a year. His production in the last two years has not matched the kind of salary that he’s being paid, and that was especially evident this season.

Pettersson, who has enjoyed recent seasons of scoring over 100 and 90 points each, only managed 15 goals with 36 assists in the 73 games that he’s played in this season. He stated plainly last month that he knows his production hasn’t matched what he’s being paid.

“I mean, I haven’t lived up to expectations of the contract, and I’ll be the first one to say it,” Pettersson said. “Obviously, I wish it would be different, I’ll have played better, a lot more points, but it is what it is. I’m just trying to play a game tonight and see what happens.”

Brock Boeser could be on the move after just one year of his contract

Last offseason, forward Brock Boeser was widely projected to be departing the Canucks as an unrestricted free agent, but he surprised many when he ultimately chose to re-sign with the club. He agreed to a seven-year, $50.75 million contract that includes a no-trade clause for the first four seasons.

But just like most of his teammates, Boeser continued to see his offensive production drop in 2025-26. Only two years removed from registering a career-high 40 goals in the 2023-24 season, he’s dropped to 25 goals last season and 22 goals this season.

If the Canucks were to go full scorched-earth rebuild, then don’t be surprised to see Canucks management approach Boeser and ask him to consider waiving his no-trade clause to a destination he feels fits him better.

Jake DeBrusk could provide a scoring boost elsewhere 

For the entire first portion of his NHL career, Jake DeBrusk had played with the Boston Bruins before deciding prior to the 2024-25 NHL season to pack up and move to the literal opposite coast of North America, joining the Canucks.

Like several of his teammates who were ultimately traded (and not moved like Pettersson), DeBrusk had seen his name pop up in trade rumors leading up to last month’s NHL trade deadline, but as of now, he remains a member of the Canucks.

He’d benefit any number of teams looking to bolster their top-six scoring, and his $5.5 million cap hit isn’t an outrageous number enough to keep away potentially interested clubs.

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