The seats in the Rogers Arena press box are going to be packed Tuesday night, and not just with media. A wave of NHL scouts-17 in total-are descending on Vancouver to get a closer look at the Canucks as they host the San Jose Sharks. With the Canucks deep into a declared rebuild and sitting in 32nd place in the NHL standings, the rest of the league is circling, evaluating potential trade targets ahead of the deadline.
This kind of scout presence isn’t unheard of, but the volume and variety of teams represented speaks volumes about where Vancouver stands-and how active they might be in the coming weeks. The Toronto Maple Leafs and Anaheim Ducks are each sending multiple representatives, a strong indication that they’re not just browsing-they’re doing serious homework.
Here’s the full list of teams confirmed to have at least one scout in attendance:
- Anaheim Ducks (x2)
- Chicago Blackhawks
- Dallas Stars
- Detroit Red Wings
- Florida Panthers
- Los Angeles Kings
- New York Islanders
- New York Rangers
- Ottawa Senators
- Philadelphia Flyers
- St. Louis Blues
- Toronto Maple Leafs (x2)
- Utah Mammoth
- Vegas Golden Knights
- Winnipeg Jets
That’s a diverse group, from contenders looking to bolster their playoff push to rebuilding squads potentially eyeing younger pieces. It’s clear that Vancouver’s roster-despite the team’s struggles-still holds value across the league.
The Canucks are in the middle of an eight-game homestand, and Tuesday’s matchup against the Sharks marks game six of that stretch. So far, it’s been a rough ride at home, with Vancouver going 1-4 through the first five. That’s not the kind of record that inspires confidence, but for scouts, it’s not just about wins and losses-it’s about watching how players respond in tough situations, how they compete, and what kind of habits they bring shift after shift.
With the trade deadline approaching and the Canucks likely to be sellers, this game could be a key data point in shaping deals. Whether it’s a veteran with playoff experience or a younger player with untapped upside, Vancouver has assets that could help other teams-and the scouts are here to see who’s worth the price.
Puck drop is set for 7:00 p.m. PT at Rogers Arena. And while the standings may not give this game much weight, make no mistake: plenty of front offices will be watching closely.