The Canucks’ rebuild has been built on a simple idea: strip salary, collect picks, and keep moving assets. The recent exits of Dakota Joshua, Teddy Blueger, Arturs Silovs, and Nikita Zadorov fit that pattern, and the same playbook is already visible in how the organization has handled its veterans.
Sherwood was 30 and on an expiring contact at $1.5 million when dealt to the Sharks for second-round picks in 2026 and 2027 respectively. He got a five-year $28.75 million deal in San Jose, but has just eight goals in 41 games.
Garland was 29 when dealt to Columbus Blue Jackets. It brought a third-round selection in 2026, second-rounder in 2028, and shed five years remaining at $6 million in annual average value. He has five goals 31 games with Columbus as third-liner.
Myers was 36 when moved to the Dallas Stars for second-round pick in 2027 and fourth-rounder in 2029. He’s on an expiring deal this season at $1.5 million, but the Canucks retained 50 per cent. He’s on a third-line pairing in Dallas.
That same market logic is hanging over Jake DeBrusk, whose profile makes him one of the most interesting names in play. He is 30, carries a NMC that shifts to a modified 15-team, no-trade list in the final four years of his deal, and could decide the timing is right for a change. The left winger could waive his NMC to join a contender because his window to win is shrinking and the rebuild has been mentally draining.
The money and the resume make him a real target. A $5.5 million cap hit is palatable and career seasons of 28, 26, 25 goals, 86 playoff games, and nose for the net are attractive.
His 19 power-play goals last season were third overall. DeBrusk could command second-round pick and prospect or promising young player, who has yet to click with another NHL team.
Filip Chytil is another name that fits the deadline market. At 27, he is healthy and on an expiring contract at $4.44 million.
The big centre plays at speed, gains offensive zone, and creates plays. That will be attractive for playoff-bound teams and could be worth at least third-round pick.
Drew O’Connor also has some appeal despite his down year. The 28-year-old had career-high 17 goals last season and is struggling with just one.
Expiring contract of $2.5 million may be pricey to add 6-foot-4, 209 pound frame and forechecking, penalty kill presence. Mid-round draft pick is possible return.
On the blue line, Luke Schenn still brings a very specific playoff value. He’s 36, has logged 60 playoff games and won two Cups.
Teams need defensive depth as testosterone levels and injuries rise. Eating part of his expiring $2.25 million may land mid-round pick.
Has NMC.
Jamie Oleksiak is the tougher sell. He is 33, was scratched twice this season and carries $5 million cap into 2026-27. Price tag could scare off any potential suitors to part with mid-range pick.
Brendan Gallagher rounds out the list as another veteran piece with a useful postseason reputation. He’s 34, expensive at $3.25 million as a playoff add, and profiles as a fourth-line grinder.
Has 79 playoff games, so maybe that returns a pick. Has six team no-trade list.
In Other News...
Canucks Suddenly Have A New Lineup Question Up Front
The Canucks forward depth chart got a quick shakeup with Jacob Quillan coming up from Abbotsford, giving the club another look at a player who has settled in well since arriving from Toronto a few weeks ago. Quillan has started strong in the AHL, and his promotion adds a fresh option up front at a time when Vancouver is trying to keep its lineup stable.
Filip Chytils move to injured reserve creates the opening, and it also underscores how quickly the Canucks have had to adjust around his health this season. He is dealing with an upper-body injury and is eligible to return next Thursday, so Vancouver now has to manage the short-term gap while waiting to see how the next stretch unfolds. [Read more 🡒]
Canucks Suddenly Have Another Filip Chytil Injury Scare
Filip Chytils latest scare came after a hit from San Jose Sharks defenseman Darnell Nurse, and it sent the Canucks back into familiar territory with a player whose availability has too often been tied to injury updates. Chytil missed practice afterward while the team evaluated him, a frustrating development for a forward who has been trying to build momentum and stay clear of the kind of contact that has derailed him before.
Manny Malhotra said Chytil will get the day off for the upcoming game against the Toronto Maple Leafs, leaving Vancouver to manage another uncertain stretch without one of its more intriguing pieces. Chytil has been working on his on-ice awareness to help avoid dangerous situations, but for a player with his injury history, every collision seems to carry a little extra weight. [Read more 🡒]
Canucks May Like This Young Winger More Than His Trade Cost
A young winger with a tantalizing profile is suddenly in the trade conversation, and the Canucks are among the teams said to be paying attention. Ivan Miroshnichenko has drawn interest around the league as Washington makes him available, and Vancouvers curiosity makes sense for a club that is always looking for upside on the wing without having to wait too long for it to develop.
The catch is the price tag, which is where the discussion gets tricky for a Canucks front office that has to balance present needs with future value. Miroshnichenko has not yet locked down a full-time NHL role in Washington, but the Capitals are still believed to be setting a steep asking price, and that alone could determine whether Vancouver keeps kicking the tires or decides the fit is better than the cost. [Read more 🡒]