5 rumoured trades the Vancouver Canucks could make before Friday’s deadline

The Vancouver Canucks are steadily closing in on a playoff berth as the trade deadline looms tomorrow.

For the first time since 2019–20 season, the Canucks find themselves on the brink of a playoff berth. Despite already making significant moves, including a blockbuster trade, their activity may not be over yet.

In a significant move last month, the Canucks traded their 2024 first-round pick along with Andrei Kuzmenko and prospects Hunter Brzustewicz and Joni Jurmo to the Calgary Flames for center Elias Lindholm in early February.

Although the initial results of the trade have been modest—Lindholm has only managed four goals and six points in 14 games and has gone pointless in his last six outings — while the acquisition could bolster the Canucks’ playoff prospects, there are rumours he could be traded away for a bigger asset by Friday.

With just a couple of days left before the NHL trade deadline, speculation abounds regarding further moves by the Canucks, who are looking to shore up their roster despite leading the Pacific Division and being in contention for the Presidents’ Trophy.

Here are some of the trades being discussed ahead of the deadline:

Jake Guentzel In, Elias Lindholm Out

This would be the most significant deal among the rumoured trades if completed.

Despite recently acquiring Elias Lindholm, rumours suggest the Canucks are exploring another blockbuster trade involving Jake Guentzel from the Pittsburgh Penguins. According to sports reporter Chris Johnston, the Canucks are reportedly among the teams pursuing Guentzel, with discussions underway to potentially trade Lindholm to the Boston Bruins to facilitate the move.

While a trade involving all three teams is theoretically plausible, it would undoubtedly involve several moving parts.

For instance, the Bruins could offer a package including Jake DeBrusk and John Beecher to the Penguins, while the Canucks could include Vasily Podkolzin in the deal.

Tyler Toffoli’s Possible Return

There’s speculation that the Canucks are eyeing a reunion with Tyler Toffoli, who departed for the New Jersey Devils in free agency. Toffoli previously had a successful stint with the Canucks, particularly excelling alongside Elias Pettersson and J.T. Miller.

Frank Vatrano a Potential Addition

Frank Vatrano, currently leading the Anaheim Ducks in scoring with 29 goals and 48 points in 61 games, is another player on the Canucks’ radar.

His offensive prowess could complement players like Miller and Boeser effectively. Additionally, with Vatrano under contract for another season at a reasonable cap hit, he presents an attractive option for the Canucks.

Although the price to acquire Vatrano may be steep, the Ducks are in no rush to move him, given his contract status, allowing them to wait for the right offer.

Jason Zucker 

Jason Zucker, a member of the Arizona Coyotes, hasn’t showcased much productivity since moving to the desert, tallying only 9 goals and 25 points in 51 games.

However, in his previous stint with the Pittsburgh Penguins, he netted an impressive 27 goals just last season.

The Vancouver Canucks have previously shown interest in Zucker, but does he still hold the same appeal for them?

According to Dhaliwal, there’s ongoing interest in Zucker from the Canucks. “Zucker has a connection to Rutherford from their time in Pittsburgh… The asking price, as per my sources, is quite steep.”

Phil Kessel 

Phil Kessel may join the Vancouver Canucks by Friday.

While not technically a trade, Kessel has been in town for three weeks now, skating alongside the Abbotsford Canucks during this time. However, despite his presence, the 36-year-old remains officially an unrestricted free agent.

“The decision is coming soon,” CHEK’s Rick Dhaliwal said in Tuesday morning’s edition of Donnie and Dhali. “I can tell you there’s a holding pattern. Is it cap-related? Is it trade-related?

“His fitness, I’ve been told, is not an issue.”