As the Vancouver Canucks navigate what’s shaping up to be a seller’s market ahead of the trade deadline, most of the attention has naturally gravitated toward the more prominent names on their roster. But there’s one player flying under the radar who might be worth a closer look: Nils Höglander.
The 25-year-old winger hasn’t exactly been front and center in Vancouver’s plans this season-or in seasons past, for that matter. But that doesn’t mean he’s without value. In fact, for teams looking to make a smart, low-risk addition with upside, Höglander could be a sneaky-good target.
Let’s break down why.
Höglander’s game is built on speed, relentless forechecking, and a solid skill set that suggests he should be a regular contributor in a top-nine role. He’s not just flashy on the puck-his underlying numbers have consistently shown he can drive play. That’s the kind of profile that tends to catch the eye of analytically inclined front offices.
But there’s a catch. Defensive inconsistencies have limited his ice time throughout his career.
The most he ever averaged came in his rookie season under then-head coach Travis Green, when he logged 15:27 per night. Since then, his role has fluctuated, and this season hasn’t helped his case-he was held out for over a month early on, which only made it harder for him to carve out a steady role in Vancouver’s forward group.
Now, with the Canucks shifting into sell mode, there are two possible outcomes: either Höglander benefits from a thinning roster and earns more minutes, or he becomes part of the reshuffling himself.
For other teams, that second scenario might be the more intriguing one.
This could be a classic buy-low opportunity. Höglander has long been a favorite among analytics circles, and there’s a belief that with a change of scenery-and maybe a longer leash-he could finally turn that potential into consistent production. He brings enough edge and energy to slot into a bottom-six role right away, and there’s still room for growth if he finds the right fit.
Of course, there’s a financial component to consider. Höglander carries a $3 million cap hit for the next two seasons, which is a bit steep for a player still trying to establish himself. But for a team with some flexibility and a need for depth scoring, the contract isn’t a deal-breaker-especially if he hits his stride in a new system.
This wouldn’t be the headline move of the deadline, but it could be one of those under-the-radar additions that pays off down the stretch. In a market where the big names are already being picked over, smart teams will be looking for value in the margins. And Höglander just might be one of those names worth circling.