“According to several sources, the Vancouver Canucks have let it be known that — in an effort to get younger — they are willing to listen to offers on ‘veteran players.’”
Friedman mentioned that at this time, that does not include Canucks captain Quinn Hughes, adding that Filip Hronek is another veteran not expected to be made available. He included a quote from a league executive saying, “They’ve made it clear (trading Hughes) is not their priority right now.”
The Canucks have Evander Kane, Kiefer Sherwood, Teddy Blueger, David Kämpf, and Derek Forbort, all on expiring deals. Two of those players have some sort of trade protection: Kane has a 16-team approved trade list, while Blueger has a 12-team no-trade list. Most of the other veterans on the team with term have no movement clauses: Elias Pettersson (F), Brock Boeser, Jake DeBrusk, Marcus Pettersson, and Tyler Myers.
Friedman mentions that the Canucks are making their pending unrestricted free agents available, as well as a player or two with term. However, the organization doesn’t appear to be heading toward a complete fire sale.
This news comes the night after the Canucks lost 5-2 to the 31st-ranked Calgary Flames. Vancouver currently sits 30th in league standings, four points ahead of the last-place Nashville Predators. They have also allowed the most goals against (86) in the NHL, a quarter of the way into the season. In trading veteran players, the team desires to head in a younger direction.