Canucks Willing to Make Concessions on Evander Kane Trade

Vancouver open to retaining salary to facilitate a deal for the struggling forward

Feb. 1, 2026 at 12:31pm

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The Vancouver Canucks are looking to move on from forward Evander Kane after his stint with the team has fallen short of expectations. The Canucks are now willing to lower their asking price and retain a portion of Kane's salary in order to facilitate a trade, with the Dallas Stars and Colorado Avalanche emerging as potential suitors.

Why it matters

The Canucks' season has gone off the rails, with the team sitting last in the league. Moving Kane could be part of a larger roster overhaul as Vancouver looks to rebuild. Retaining salary on Kane's contract could help the Canucks find a trade partner and get some value in return for the struggling forward.

The details

The Canucks have already made a pair of major trades this season, sending defenseman Quinn Hughes to the Minnesota Wild and forward Kiefer Sherwood to the San Jose Sharks. Now, the focus has turned to Evander Kane, who the Canucks acquired from the Edmonton Oilers in the offseason. Kane has struggled in Vancouver, posting just 25 points in 54 games with a minus-17 rating and averaging under 17 minutes of ice time per night. With the Canucks continuing to slide down the standings, the team has given Kane's agent permission to help facilitate a trade. Insider Elliotte Friedman reported that the Canucks are willing to retain up to 50% of Kane's $5.125 million cap hit to help facilitate a deal, potentially netting them a third-round pick or something similar in return.

  • The Canucks acquired Evander Kane from the Edmonton Oilers in the offseason.
  • Through 54 games this season, Kane has posted 25 points with a minus-17 rating.
  • On January 19, the Canucks traded forward Kiefer Sherwood to the San Jose Sharks.

The players

Evander Kane

A forward acquired by the Vancouver Canucks in the offseason, who has struggled to produce and fit in with the team this season.

Dan Milstein

The agent for Evander Kane, who has been given permission by the Canucks to help facilitate a trade for his client.

Elliotte Friedman

An NHL insider who reported that the Canucks are willing to retain up to 50% of Evander Kane's salary to help facilitate a trade.

Quinn Hughes

A defenseman traded by the Canucks to the Minnesota Wild in a blockbuster deal on December 12.

Kiefer Sherwood

A forward traded by the Canucks to the San Jose Sharks on January 19.

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What they’re saying

“I think the Canucks are hoping for a 3rd round pick or something like that. They're willing to retain if it allows them to get a bit more.”

— Elliotte Friedman, NHL Insider (NHL Now)

What’s next

The Canucks will continue to explore trade options for Evander Kane, with the Dallas Stars and Colorado Avalanche emerging as potential suitors. The team is willing to retain a portion of Kane's salary in order to facilitate a deal.

The takeaway

The Canucks' willingness to retain salary on Evander Kane's contract and lower their asking price highlights the team's desire to move on from the struggling forward as part of a larger roster overhaul. This trade could be the first of many moves as Vancouver looks to rebuild and get back on track after a disastrous start to the season.