It seems the Vancouver Canucks have taken a page from another deep-sea inhabitant, adopting a goldfish memory this NHL offseason. After striking a deal with Auston Matthews‘ Toronto Maple Leafs, the Canucks are reportedly looking to poach one of the latter’s coveted free agents, hoping to bolster the lineup around Elias Pettersson and company.
Nothing last forever in the NHL. The Maple Leafs would be wise to remember that after moving on from Mitch Marner. Now, as Matthews and company vie to re-group and come back stronger. On that note, the Leafs confirmed a trade for Dakota Joshua, who could help the team’s forward depth.
Despite the recent move, Toronto must still address the void left by Marner’s departure in the top-six. Matthews and the best talents on the Leafs need help in that regard, and trading for Joshua did little to fill the blank space.
On that note, one name in particular has been swirling in rumors around Hogtown: Jack Roslovic. As one of the top unrestricted free agents available in an otherwise rather plain market, several teams — including the Canucks — are keeping a close eye on him. A fine line separates trade partners from free-agent bidders, and Vancouver has seemingly been jumping rope on it.
Jack Roslovic #96 of the Carolina Hurricanes reacts as he is named “second star” following their 4-0 victory over the Washington Capitals in Game Three of the Second Round of the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Lenovo Center at Lenovo Center on May 10, 2025 in Raleigh, North Carolina.
“Is there a match between the Canucks and Jack Roslovic? There have been talks with the Canucks and his camp,” The Athletic’s Rick Dhaliwal said on X. Shortly after moving on from Joshua, Vancouver has seemingly set its sights on a new target.
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Auston Matthews’ Maple Leafs reportedly come across perfect chance to replace Mitch Marner with player desperate for fresh start
On a platter?
The Maple Leafs might not be done yet. After trading for Joshua, the Leafs could have an eye set on Columbus Blue Jackets forward Yegor Chinakhov, who has requested a trade from the organization.
“Yegor Chinakhov is a perfect example of someone the Leafs should covet,” The Leafs Nation’s Nick Alberga said on his X account (formerly Twitter). Chinakhov might not fully fill Marner’s void — and most probably won’t — but he could step in and contribute in the top-six. Still, Toronto would need a stroke of luck for the 24-year-old to find his best game in The Six
Exploring all options
The Canucks are now active in the NHL free agency and trade markets, hoping to cover all their bases and leave nothing to chance. Unfortunately, that still seems to be what determines just about everything in this league.
Elias Pettersson #40 of the Vancouver Canucks waits for a face off during the first period of their NHL game against the Edmonton Oilers at Rogers Arena on November 9, 2024 in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.
While Vancouver will continue to monitor Roslovic’s situation, reports suggest another trade isn’t far-fetched in Terminal City. “Canucks can also make another trade to get what they want if the UFA market doesn’t work,” Dhaliwal added.
SurveyWhere would you like to see Roslovic next season?
Where would you like to see Roslovic next season?
The stakes are high for Pettersson and the Canucks going into the 2025-26 NHL season. Pressure is mounting for the team to deliver. Asking Vancouver to hoist its first Stanley Cup might be too much, but a playoff berth isn’t an impossible mission. The Canucks must play as if the future of their core was on the line — namely, Quinn Hughes’ might be. That alone should be enough to fuel an all-out effort, night after night.