Canucks Must Trade Evander Kane Before 2026 NHL Trade Deadline

Vancouver's veteran winger could provide playoff experience for a contending team

Published on Feb. 16, 2026

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The Vancouver Canucks are in a rebuilding phase, currently sitting last in the NHL standings. With the 2026 NHL Trade Deadline approaching, the team must trade veteran winger Evander Kane, who does not fit their current timeline despite providing offensive production. Kane could be a valuable rental for a contending team seeking his playoff experience, as the Canucks look to extract more value from other players on the trade market as they rebuild around a new core.

Why it matters

The Canucks are in a difficult position, having missed the playoffs last season and currently sitting at the bottom of the league. Trading away veteran assets like Evander Kane can help them acquire future assets and continue their rebuild, while also providing a contending team with a rental player who can contribute offensively and provide playoff experience.

The details

The Canucks acquired Kane from the Edmonton Oilers in a trade last summer, only giving up a fourth-round pick. While Kane has been one of Vancouver's better offensive players this season with 25 points, he lacks defensive prowess and does not fit the team's current timeline as they look to rebuild around younger core players. With the 2026 NHL Trade Deadline approaching on March 6th, the Canucks must move Kane to a contending team in need of a rental winger with playoff experience.

  • The Canucks can make trades again starting on February 22nd.
  • The 2026 NHL Trade Deadline is on March 6th.

The players

Evander Kane

A veteran winger currently playing for the Vancouver Canucks, who could be a valuable rental player for a contending team at the 2026 NHL Trade Deadline.

Quinn Hughes

A former star defenseman for the Canucks who was traded to the Minnesota Wild earlier this season amid a contract dispute.

Elias Pettersson

A star forward for the Canucks who the team has reportedly tried to trade on multiple occasions as the team looks to rebuild.

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What’s next

The Canucks can make trades again starting on February 22nd, and the 2026 NHL Trade Deadline is on March 6th, so the team must act quickly to trade Evander Kane to a contending team in need of a rental winger with playoff experience.

The takeaway

As the Canucks continue their rebuild, trading away veteran assets like Evander Kane for future assets is crucial. Kane could provide valuable playoff experience for a contending team, while the Canucks look to extract more value from other players on the trade market and build around a new core.