Canucks' Forward Is Player Team Is Willing To Trade

The Vancouver Canucks, despite winning both games since trading Quinn Hughes and seemingly kicking off their retool/rebuild, are still at the bottom of the standings and very much should be looking to trade more players this season.

While a number of names have been mentioned, a more likely and easier to move forward that the Canucks could part with is Drew O'Connor. David Pagnotta said, "Drew O'Connor has another year left on his contract with some no-trade protection. He's a player I believe they're willing to move."

Due to the three injured centers on the Canucks at the moment, O'Connor has been shifted there on the third line for the time being, but he's naturally a winger and that's where he'll be playing on the Canucks most games and on a team that acquires him.

That being said, the 27-year-old has one more year left on his contract after this season at $2.5 million AAV and has seven goals and 12 points in 33 games. He's a solid bottom-6 player and it doesn't feel like the Canucks would be willing to waste one of their retention spots on a lower cap hit that extends another season, but they could take on a little money in a pending UFA to make the deal work.

O'Connor kills penalties, but isn't a major impact on a roster. On a contender, he would likely be a fourth line player or even moved up to the third line. He has made a decent contribution over his past two seasons after becoming a full-time NHLer, first putting up 16 goals and 33 points in 79 games with the Pittsburgh Penguins in 2023-24 and then 10 goals and 25 points in 84 games last season split between the Penguins and Canucks.

The Canucks have a number of younger options in the AHL ready to play more, but could also seek out more younger talent they can move forward with in the free spot in O'Connor is moved this season.