NHL Rumors: 2 Vancouver Canucks Trade Candidates

The Vancouver Canucks have a new management team and they are ready to put their fingerprints all over the roster. With the likes of J.T Miller and Bo Horvat as pending free agents, the Canucks have some major work to do this season to secure their core. Expect to see some moves to free up some salary cap space as these two Canucks could be on the move next season:

Conor Garland

With Brock Boeser re-signed and Miller and Horvat to go, Conor Garland is a prime trade candidate for the Canucks. He's coming off a season where he recorded 52 points in 77 games. Garland is signed through the 2025-26 season at $4.95 million per season. His first season was a bit of a roller coaster as he struggled at times and shined at others; this next move could be strictly because of dollars and cents. Garland has been linked to the New Jersey Devils and New York Islanders at last season's trade deadline, two teams who could very well circle back during next season.

Tanner Pearson

President of hockey operations Jim Rutherford has traded Tanner Pearson in the past and it sounds like he could be open to it once again. Pearson is a 29-year-old forward who has two seasons left on his deal, making $3.25 million annually. He enjoyed a decent season in 2021-22, registering 34 points in 68 games. The kicker here is his modified no-trade clause, which protects him from seven teams he'd prefer to avoid. However, the protection goes away after next season, so if he doesn't get dealt prior to next season's trade deadline, look for a trade to go down next summer.

I think Garland is likely to go, too. Atlantic, maybe.
— Steve “Dangle” Glynn (@Steve_Dangle) March 21, 2022

Another player we’re hearing the #Canucks are having discussions about is LW Tanner Pearson, who is in Year 1 of a 3-year, $9.75M contract. He also owns a NTC.
— David Pagnotta (@TheFourthPeriod) March 19, 2022