Canucks Eyeing Major Offseason Trades to Fuel Rebuild

Vancouver has three top trade candidates that could help accelerate their roster overhaul.

Apr. 4, 2026 at 3:27am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A cubist, geometric painting depicting a hockey game or match, with sharp, overlapping planes of color representing the dynamic action on the ice.The Canucks' offseason trade plans could reshape the team's future through a series of bold roster moves.Vancouver Today

The Vancouver Canucks are entering a pivotal offseason as they continue their rebuilding efforts. The team has identified three key trade candidates that could help them recoup valuable assets and accelerate their roster transformation - forward Nils Hoglander, forward Drew O'Connor, and goaltender Thatcher Demko.

Why it matters

The Canucks are in the midst of a rebuild and need to be aggressive in the trade market this offseason to acquire more draft capital and young talent. Moving these three players could help them acquire additional pieces to build around for the future.

The details

Hoglander, a former second-round pick, has struggled with injuries and inconsistency, making his $3 million contract a potential burden for the rebuilding Canucks. O'Connor has been a bright spot, scoring 17 goals, but Vancouver may look to cash in on his value. Demko's $8.5 million cap hit and full no-trade clause complicate a potential deal, but a desperate team may be willing to take a chance on the talented netminder.

  • The Canucks are expected to be active leading up to the 2026 NHL Draft.
  • Hoglander's three-year extension signed last season is set to expire after the 2025-26 campaign.
  • O'Connor is entering the final year of his current contract in 2026-27.

The players

Nils Hoglander

A 25-year-old forward who was a second-round pick by the Canucks in the 2019 NHL Draft. He has struggled with injuries and inconsistency, scoring just 2 goals in 32 games this season.

Drew O'Connor

A 27-year-old forward who has emerged as one of the Canucks' better players this season, scoring 17 goals and 29 points in 75 games.

Thatcher Demko

The Canucks' starting goaltender who carries an $8.5 million cap hit. He has a full no-trade clause, complicating any potential deal, but a desperate team may be willing to take a chance on the talented netminder.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“If Demko is unable to return to the ice, the Canucks might have $8.5 million in LTIR to play with all season. Otherwise, it wouldn't be insane to believe that Vancouver would be looking to see if there are any takers.”

— Nestor Quixtan, Author

What’s next

The Canucks will need to determine if they can find suitable trade partners for Hoglander, O'Connor, and Demko leading up to the 2026 NHL Draft. Their ability to move these assets could significantly impact their rebuilding efforts.

The takeaway

The Canucks are in a critical offseason as they look to accelerate their rebuild through the trade market. Moving Hoglander, O'Connor, and Demko could help them acquire valuable draft capital and young talent to build around for the future.