NHL Rumors: Canucks Linked To Multiple Players This Offseason

The Vancouver Canucks are focused on retooling both their blue line and forward group this offseason. 

According to The Athletic, affordable free-agent defensemen like Dante Fabbro and Nick Perbix are on the radar to bolster depth, especially if Derek Forbort isn’t re-signed. Fabbro, coming off a breakout year with Columbus, and Perbix, a steady presence in Tampa Bay, both fit the Canucks' need for reliable, cost-effective defenders.

Up front, Vancouver may test the trade market with eyes on bold targets. New York's Alexis Lafreniere, Dallas’ Mason Marchment, Nashville’s Jonathan Marchessault, and Anaheim’s Trevor Zegras have been floated as potential acquisitions. However, each comes with complications—Zegras and Lafreniere would be expensive, Marchessault is aging, and Marchment might require extension guarantees.

Fabbro Headlines Free-Agent Defense Options

Coquitlam native Dante Fabbro headlines the Canucks' free-agent wishlist. After excelling alongside Zach Werenski in Columbus, the 26-year-old could bring stability to Vancouver’s penalty kill and serve as a complementary partner for puck-moving blueliners. Other depth names like Brian Dumoulin, Josh Mahura, and Tyson Barrie could also fill key third-pair or reserve roles.

What a rip from Dante Fabbro 🚀 pic.twitter.com/lCvstmvS8P

— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) April 16, 2025

On the trade front, Marchment could be a logical fit. The rugged forward brings versatility and edge—two qualities the Canucks could use in their middle-six. With the Stars facing cap pressure, he might be available at a discount, provided Vancouver is comfortable with his pending UFA status.

Trade Dreams or Realistic Moves?

While a player like Zegras would energize the fanbase, acquiring him or Lafreniere would require a hefty return. The Canucks might instead lean into lower-risk depth adds while preserving cap flexibility and development time for young defenders like Elias Pettersson (D), Tom Willander, and Victor Mancini. Either way, Vancouver’s front office appears active on multiple fronts as it shapes the 2025-26 roster.

Photo Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images