Canucks Schedule: Game within game in spotlight as roster freeze ends

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With a commitment to a roster rebuild, the Canucks could act quickly or await the best-possible trade packages before the March 6 deadline

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Published Feb 22, 2026 • Last updated 3 hours ago • 7 minute read

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alt text Vancouver Canucks general manager Patrik Allvin is at a pivotal place with the NHL club as the roster freeze ends and March 6 trade deadline nears. Photo by Jason Payne /PNGArticle content

From international intrigue to roster reality.

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The Vancouver Canucks were off Sunday to witness Canada’s riveting gold-medal overtime setback to the U.S. that concluded competition in the 2026 Winter Olympics in Italy. And now their attention shifts to the NHL roster freeze, which ends Sunday night.

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With a franchise commitment to a rebuild, as opposed to some sort of a re-tool, the hockey operations department could act quickly, or await best-possible trade packages before the March 6 deadline.

Either way, the obvious intrigue will trump what the NHL’s last-place team hopes to accomplish in 25 remaining regular season games. It won’t be pretty. More losses will pile up as Canuck veterans are moved, but all the fans really want is future hope, and that requires patience on every conceivable level.

Accumulating drafts picks and acquiring roster players or prospects 24 years of age or younger is the primary focus of this rebuild. You can sell that. As for the on-ice product, it will be harder when the club’s condensed schedule resumes Wednesday against the Winnipeg Jets at Rogers Arena.

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The Canucks have the worst home-ice mark at 6-17-4 and there’s an eight-game homestand in March. So, if you’re looking for wins, maybe concentrate more on what the rebuild could eventually provide with a consistent level of competitiveness and success.

In the interim, there’s monitoring the progress of blueliners Zeev Buium, 21, Tom Willander, 21, Elias Pettersson, 22, and Victor Mancini, 23, plus intriguing left winger Liam Ohgren, 22, and centre Marco Rossi, 24.

However, the great trade wait is at hand to see how general manager Patrik Allvin shapes his roster in the next dozen days before the deadline. Here’s a look at what he might or might not do:

Zach Werenski of the Blue Jackets tries to keep winger Evander Kane in check during Nov. 8 meeting at Rogers Arena. Photo by Derek Cain /Getty ImagesOBVIOUSLY: Trade away the UFAs

Unrestricted free agents are often easiest to move depending on remaining salary, present or future worth, and where they’re currently trending. The Canucks have a trio that should command draft picks.

Evander Kane: At 34, the feisty winger has more pugnaciousness than productivity, but scored in consecutive games last month and has a shown more push, playmaking and net presence. On Feb. 2 in Utah, he had five shots, six attempts, four hits and rang a shot off the crossbar on power play.

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His 12 points (6-6) in a 21-game playoff run with the Oilers last season, and connection with Dallas head coach Glen Gulutzan, a former Edmonton assistant, could turn into a rental to finally get the Stars over the Western Conference final playoff hurdle after three-straight failures.

If the Canucks retain significant salary on his expiring $US5.125 million cap hit, they would probably land a third-round pick — or second, if bidding escalates. Colorado and others could also come knocking.

Teddy Blueger: Sidelined with a knee injury Oct. 19, which morphed into a bigger concern and a 43-game absence, the veteran 31-year-old centre quickly shook off rust. He struck for four goals in a six-game span to increase his trade value. On Feb. 2, he had a goal, two shots, four hits, and won 50 per cent of his draws.

Blueger also suited up for Latvia in the 2026 Winter Olympics and won a Stanley Cup with Vegas Golden Knights in 2023. He’s defensively sound, competent in faceoffs with recent 61, 56, and 55 per cent efficiencies, is a first-pairing penalty killer, but has just six points (2-4) in 37 playoff games.

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Blueger was key in the Canucks owning the third-best penalty kill last season. What’s that worth? With an expiring cap hit of $1.8 million, Blueger is an easy fit as a rental and versatility may command a third-rounder.

David Kampf: Trade stock has moved up because the 31-year-old pivot was noticeable for Czechia at the Winter Olympics. Had a pair of assists in three games and was the second-line centre during the preliminary round behind Radek Faksa. Kampf also won 55.1 per cent of his draws.

However, he has just six points (2-4) in 34 games with the Canucks, but his 52.8 per cent faceoff efficiency might be attractive as a depth rental with just $1.1 million left on his cap hit. Return is fourth or fifth-round pick.

Elias Pettersson moves puck against Utah defenceman Mikhail Sergachev during Feb. 2 game in Salt Lake City. Photo by Melissa Majchrzak /APPOSSIBLY: Pettersson buzz, Garland dilemma

Elias Pettersson: Despite a pledge by centre Elias Pettersson, 27, that he wants to remain in Vancouver, his enormous $11.6 million cap hit for six more seasons, a no-moment clause and no goals in his last 11 games, there remains trade interest.

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I was told to check out the Detroit Red Wings, who are seeking a second-line pivot to complement captain Dylan Larkin. It would potentially give the rejuvenated club more even-strength push to challenge for the Atlantic Division title with a 33-19-6 record and not be a quick playoff out.

Remaining competitive and stable down the middle for several years is the goal. Teams believe Pettersson’s responsible two-way play and potential to bounce back to 30-goal potential are worth the risk.

The Red Wings’ general manager has always been pragmatic in assembling his roster and not swinging for the fences, but perhaps, it’s time for that big cut.

A play for Pettersson would require a considerable return for the Canucks, and because the Wings are in a position where they can take on the contract, it’s more than just kicking the tires.

From a Canucks’ perspective, they would need centres and high draft picks in return. Filip Chytil’s injury history, expected trade departures of Blueger and Kampf, leave Rossi, Max Sasson and Aatu Raty down the middle and Braeden Cootes as hope for the future.

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Would Yzerman part with centres Marco Kasper, 21, and prospect Nate Danielson, 21, plus a 2026 first-round pick and 2027 conditional first? Or, would he dangle an older pivot? After all, that’s a lot of futures, but the Wings are now operating in the present. It’s a new game in Hockeytown.

Of course, this could all be moot. Pettersson holds the trade hammer. But he might be enamoured by the Red Wings’ encouraging direction and six Swedes on the current roster.

Conor Garland: We know the story. Culture carrier, plays hard, total team guy. But at age 29, he’s on the cusp of a six-year, $36 million extension, and doesn’t have trade protection before it kicks in. Teams like the player but they don’t like the term. Will something give? Ottawa Senators coach Travis Green is a big fan.

Jake DeBrusk: Gut feel is he might be willing to move. At 29, and four more years at $5.5 million cap hit, the streaky scorer admitted this year has been “the hardest year of my career”. Had a 10-game goal drought and was a healthy scratch, and 11 of his 13 goals have come on the power play. And the Canucks need goals.

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Here’s what awaits the Canucks this week on the ice:

Canucks vs. Jets

When and where: Wednesday, 7 p.m., Rogers Arena
TV: Sportsnet. Radio: Sportsnet 650

What to watch: Two teams going nowhere isn’t appointment viewing. The Jets aren’t mathematically eliminated from the playoffs, but are a dozen points shy of the final wild-card playoff spot with five teams to pass. And the Canucks may make a trade in the next few days. So, how about watching Jonathan Toews, 37, possibly make his final appearance in Vancouver with an uncertain future as a pending UFA?

Who to watch: Winger Liam Ohgren

Young, fast, strong, fearless and potential-packed winger has moved up the lineup on merit. Two goals in his first four games after being acquired from Minnesota teased of future impact for 22-year-old. “You can see he’s a horse,” said Canucks head coach Adam Foote. “He has the speed and the power is going to come.”
Prediction: The Canucks could catch a break if Team USA Olympic hero Connor Hellebuyck gets a breather from backstopping his country run to gold medal. If so, Canucks take advantage, find a way to win 3-2.

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Canucks at Kraken

When and where: Saturday, 7 p.m., Climate Pledge Arena
TV: CBC, Sportsnet. Radio: Sportsnet 650

What to watch: The Kraken. They lost four of five games and then won six of eight before the Olympic break — including back-to-back, five-goal outings. Seattle sits third in the Pacific Divison and is 14-9-5 on home ice and lost 3-2 in overtime at home on Dec. 29 and won 4-3 in overtime in Vancouver on Jan. 2.

Who to watch: Centre Shane Wright

The fourth-overall pick in the 2022 NHL Draft is in trade rumours. Reports that the pivot may be seeking a change of scenery surfaced, but a pair of two-goal games before the Olympic break either increased his trade value or willingness to stay. He has 22 points (11-11) in 56 games and 13:54 of average ice tie.
Prediction: The Kraken are rolling and the Canucks are looking for incentive but lack it and lose 4-2.
bkuzma@postmedia.com

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