NHL Trade Rumors: Vancouver Canucks talking trade on 3 players
The Vancouver Canucks have gone through a whirlwind 2025-26 season, and there's still 25 games left. From Quinn Hughes being moved, to dating back to the offseason and Jim Rutherford explaining how the inevitable was coming, to now trade talks escalating as the rebuild is in full send mode.
With the Olympic break ongoing for a couple of weeks, the Canucks can still discuss the parameters of deals with multiple teams, and word is, they've been very active this week trying to fully tear down their roster.
Evander Kane is 100% being traded. Rutherford and Patrik Allvin gave Kane's agent permission to speak to other teams, and what this deal is going to come down to is if the Canucks are willing to retain any money on his remaining contract. Kane makes $5.1 million AAV and so far this season, has scored nine goals and 25 points in 56 games. The Dallas Stars have held discussions already with the Canucks, and don't be surprised to see the Carolina Hurricanes involved, as they look to upgrade their top nine.
David Kampf and Teddy Blueger are both pending free agents, but at this point, it's hard to say if there's a trade market for them. Both are fourth-line centers on good teams and defensively minded, and at $1.8 and $1.1 million AAV, don't break the back for onlooking teams.
The big one here is Elias Pettersson and his $11.6 million AAV through the 2032 season. Pettersson leads Vancouver with 34 points in 49 games, but at the price tag, isn't producing near what's expected of him. Considering all the drama throughout just the last two years alone, Pettersson's been through the ringer, and a change of scenery could go a long way for his career. The Canucks and Hurricanes have discussed a deal at multiple different times this season already, so don't be surprised to see something materialize between the two teams. Carolina can easily afford the contract, but, it seems to be the return that's held up the trade as the 'Canes don't want to move Jackson Blake or Alexander Nikishin.
Another team who could take a plunge on Pettersson is the Detroit Red Wings. They'd have to figure out the finances a little bit and send a contract back to the Canucks to help balance out the money, but they have interest, and these two teams have a history of completing big trades together.
At the end of the day, the Canucks are rebuilding and more deals are on the way after the Olympic break and before March 6.
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