The Vancouver Canucks have had a rollercoaster season, and with the trade deadline looming, speculation is heating up. Fans are debating who stays, who goes, and which moves could actually make the team better in the short term — or set them up for the long haul.
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Some names keep popping up in trade chatter, but not all of them are clear-cut. Here’s a look at the three biggest storylines shaping Vancouver’s roster right now.
Item One: Is Brock Boeser Still a Trade Candidate?
Brock Boeser’s numbers this season have been rough. Just 12 goals and 25 points in 50 games put him on pace for a career-low season, which has only added fuel to the trade debate. The tricky part? His $7.25 million AAV extension through 2031-32 makes him a tough sell. Some see him as overpriced; others still value his goal-scoring potential.
The question for Vancouver is simple: do they try to move him now while he still has name recognition, or hold him in hopes he bounces back? A trade could net useful assets, but with the contract load, any deal would need careful structuring. Boeser is a classic “high-risk, potentially high-reward” player for teams willing to bet on a return to form.
Item Two: Is Conor Garland a Veteran Value or a Trade Chip?
Conor Garland has been quieter than expected this season, with seven goals and 25 points in 46 games. But unlike Boeser, Garland is generating real trade chatter. Reports suggest he could still bring back a first-round pick, thanks to his defensive awareness, work ethic, and ability to complement a young roster.
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Garland’s story is interesting because his early-season hot streak fizzled in January. His speed, versatility, and reliability keep him in the conversation. For the Canucks, the decision is whether he’s more valuable on the ice or as a trade asset that could accelerate a rebuild.
Item Three: The Canucks’ Goaltending Is Interesting. What Does Stability Look Like?
The Canucks’ goaltending has been another question mark. Thatcher Demko has had moments of brilliance, but inconsistency has crept in. As a result, it has prompted fans and analysts alike to wonder if Vancouver needs to shake things up between the pipes.
Demko remains a Canucks’ foundational piece. His highs are undeniable, but injuries have hampered his play. Still, if the team is serious about competing or preparing for the future, management has to consider whether a different kind of stability in the crease might be better than gambling on a Demko rebound. The conversation isn’t just about performance; it’s about the team’s confidence and direction as they look ahead.
What’s Next for the Canucks?
With the March 6 trade deadline approaching, Vancouver is at a crossroads. The decisions made over the next few weeks could change the team’s path for years. It’s clear the Canucks’ regular season likely won’t lead to a playoff berth. Still, there are questions to answer.
Will they hold onto Boeser and Garland, banking on a late-season surge, or get proactive in the market to reset parts of the roster? Is Demko, for as much as he went to the team over the past seasons, still the guy to bang on?
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Meanwhile, the youth movement is quietly progressing. Prospects like Zeev Buium and Tom Willander are forcing management to weigh veteran presence against developing prospects. If the Canucks are to be wise about the future, they need to make decisions that consider both the short-term impact and the long-term sustainability. It’s a delicate balancing act for GM Patrik Allvin and his staff.
The coming weeks will reveal whether Vancouver is still looking to compete now or pivot toward a younger, faster future. Either way, the trade chatter won’t stop, and every decision will be under the microscope.
