Canucks’ Teddy Blueger Drawing Trade Interest Amid Hot Streak and Thin Center Market
As the NHL trade deadline inches closer, Vancouver Canucks center Teddy Blueger is quietly becoming a name to watch. While he’s not the flashiest player on the market, Blueger brings a blend of experience, defensive reliability, and recent momentum that’s catching the attention of contenders-and it looks like Vancouver knows exactly what they have.
At 31, Blueger isn’t the kind of player who typically headlines trade deadline chatter, but don’t let that fool you. Since returning from an undisclosed injury on January 21, he’s been on a tear-five points in five games. That kind of production, especially from a player known more for his penalty killing than point totals, is exactly the kind of late-season spark playoff teams covet.
Blueger has never topped 28 points in a season, so he’s not going to anchor a top line. But in a year where the center market is especially shallow, his value is higher than usual. Add in a manageable $1.8 million cap hit, and it’s no surprise the Canucks are reportedly setting a high asking price.
This isn’t Blueger’s first time being dealt near the deadline. Nearly three years ago, the Penguins moved him to the Golden Knights for a third-round pick. He later signed with Vancouver as a free agent, and given his recent form and the current market dynamics, it’s hard to see the Canucks settling for anything less than what Vegas paid.
What makes his situation even more intriguing is the timing. Blueger is currently representing Latvia on the global stage at the Olympics, giving NHL front offices a front-row seat to watch him compete against top-tier international talent. If he continues to perform well in that spotlight, his stock could rise even further.
For Vancouver, who sit at the bottom of the standings, the decision is clear: maximize return on a player who’s trending up at the right time. For contenders, Blueger might not be the big splash, but he could be the kind of under-the-radar addition that makes a difference in a long playoff run.
Around the League
Jacob Fowler to Miss AHL All-Star Game, But No Major Concern for Canadiens Prospect
Montreal Canadiens fans can breathe easy. Top goaltending prospect Jacob Fowler will miss the AHL All-Star festivities due to an upper-body injury, but the Laval Rocket made it clear this is precautionary. Fowler will remain on the bench, suggesting the injury isn’t serious.
The 21-year-old has been one of the breakout stories of the season. Drafted in the third round in 2023 out of Boston College, Fowler has quickly climbed the ranks to become one of the most promising young goalies in the league. His .914 save percentage ranks fourth in the AHL, and he’s already made 10 appearances for the Canadiens this season, holding his own at the NHL level.
For a team in the midst of a rebuild, Fowler’s development is a major bright spot. While he’ll sit out the All-Star action, all signs point to this being a short-term precaution rather than a long-term issue.
Top Draft Prospect Gavin McKenna Set to Return Amid Off-Ice Turmoil
Gavin McKenna, one of the top prospects for the 2026 NHL Draft, is expected to return to the ice this weekend in a marquee Big Ten showdown between Penn State and Michigan. NHL scouts have been notified that McKenna will suit up, and the timing couldn’t be bigger-both teams are ranked in the top five, and the spotlight will be firmly on the 18-year-old.
McKenna’s February has been anything but routine. He was arrested earlier this month and faced felony aggravated assault charges, which have since been withdrawn. A misdemeanor charge remains, but with his initial court date postponed, McKenna is cleared to focus on hockey-for now.
On the ice, his return is significant. A player of McKenna’s caliber draws attention every time he laces up the skates, and in a high-stakes matchup like this, it’s a chance to remind scouts why he’s considered a top-tier talent in the upcoming draft class.
For McKenna, this weekend is more than just a game-it’s an opportunity to shift the narrative back to what he does best.