Right now in Vancouver, the conversation isn't just about wins and losses - it's about opportunity. Specifically, the opportunity for the Canucks’ young talent to step into bigger roles. And with the NHL trade deadline looming, that opportunity may be arriving sooner rather than later.
This all came to a head recently when Jonathan Lekkerimäki lit the lamp with a highlight-reel goal against the Maple Leafs - the kind of snipe that reminds you exactly why the Canucks used a first-round pick on him. But despite the goal, Lekkerimäki didn’t see the ice in the final nine minutes of regulation or in overtime. Head coach Adam Foote was clear postgame: the decision was about defense, not discipline.
“It’s more of the defensive side of it,” Foote said. “He’s getting there, for sure… It’s just slight movements defensively… He’s a smart guy. He’ll get that pretty quick.”
That’s a fair assessment of a young player still learning the pro game. But in a rebuild, development isn’t just about teaching - it’s about giving players the reps to learn on the fly.
And the best way to clear the runway for young talent? Move out the veterans who are blocking their path.
Let’s take a closer look at how the Canucks’ lineup could shift if they move all their pending unrestricted free agents (UFAs) ahead of the deadline - and more importantly, which young players are ready to grab those open spots.
Evander Kane: 1st Line LW, Power Play Contributor
Kane’s name has been floating in trade rumors for a while now, and the buzz only got louder when reports surfaced that the Canucks had given his agent the green light to explore options.
If Kane is moved, it opens up a top-line left wing spot and some power play minutes - prime real estate for a team trying to develop its future.
Candidates to step in: Filip Chytil, Liam Öhgren, Drew O’Connor, Max Sasson, Nils Höglander (eventually)
Chytil and Sasson have mostly played center this season, but Chytil’s recent shift to left wing has looked promising. His puck-carrying ability and offensive instincts could complement Elias Pettersson in a way that brings out the best in both players. Sasson, meanwhile, might be better suited to the wing long-term, and there’s already internal support for that move.
Drew O’Connor is another player who could see a bump in minutes if Kane is dealt. He’s been steady in a bottom-six role, and while he may not bring the same offensive ceiling, he’s a reliable option who can slide up the lineup in a pinch.
Then there’s Liam Öhgren. He might not be ready for top-line duties just yet, but he’s clearly gaining the trust of the coaching staff - even earning some penalty kill time recently. That’s a sign that the Canucks are grooming him for a bigger role, and a Kane trade could accelerate that timeline.
And don’t forget about Nils Höglander. He’s flashed enough skill to warrant another look on the power play. If the Canucks are serious about evaluating their young core, giving Höglander those high-leverage opportunities should be part of the plan.
Teddy Blueger & David Kampf: Bottom-Six Centers, Penalty Kill Specialists
Blueger and Kampf have both been fixtures on the Canucks’ penalty kill and have filled similar roles as defensively responsible, low-event centers. If both are moved - and there’s a good chance at least one will be - that opens up two center spots and a big chunk of shorthanded minutes.
Candidates to fill those roles at 5v5: Aatu Räty, Max Sasson, Nils Åman, Ty Mueller
On the PK: Räty, Linus Karlsson, Sasson, Öhgren
Assuming Marco Rossi is healthy and locked into the No. 2 center role behind Pettersson, and Chytil sticks at wing, the Canucks would need to fill out the bottom six down the middle. Aatu Räty is the most obvious candidate to step into a full-time role. He’s been bouncing between the lineup and the press box, but this would be a chance to give him consistent NHL minutes and let him grow.
Max Sasson could also get a longer look at center if the team decides not to shift him to the wing. Nils Åman is another name to watch - he’s got NHL experience and could be a plug-and-play option.
Then there’s Ty Mueller, who’s been quietly productive in the AHL. He’s got 20 points through 40 games and earned a brief NHL call-up last season. If the Canucks are looking to test their next wave of prospects, Mueller deserves a look.
On the penalty kill, Räty is already eighth among Canucks forwards in shorthanded time on ice per 60 minutes. With Sherwood traded and Blueger and Kampf potentially on the way out, that number should climb. Linus Karlsson and Sasson haven’t been regulars on the PK, but this could be the perfect time to start building that part of their game - just like the team is doing with Öhgren.
What the Lineup Could Look Like Without Any UFAs
If the Canucks move all three of their healthy pending UFAs, here’s a potential look at the new forward lines:
Chytil - Pettersson - Boeser
DeBrusk - Rossi - Lekkerimäki
Öhgren - Räty - Garland
O’Connor - Sasson - Höglander/Karlsson
It’s a lineup that’s young, fast, and full of upside - but also one that’s going to take some lumps. That’s the nature of a rebuild. You give your prospects real ice time, let them make mistakes, and hope they grow into roles that matter.
There’s still a logjam in the bottom six, though. If you’re wondering why players like Höglander and Karlsson are stuck on the fourth line in this projection, you’re not alone. It might be time for the Canucks to look beyond just the UFAs and consider moving more veteran forwards to fully commit to the youth movement.
Because if Vancouver is serious about building something sustainable, it starts with giving the kids a chance to play - and play meaningful minutes.