The Vancouver Canucks are staring down a critical stretch as the trade deadline approaches, and the choices they make in the coming weeks could shape the franchise for years to come. After a season marked by flashes of promise and stretches of inconsistency, there’s no shortage of intrigue surrounding this roster. From underperforming veterans to goaltending questions and a rising youth movement, Vancouver’s front office has plenty to consider.
Let’s break down the three biggest storylines that are driving the conversation in Vancouver right now.
1. Brock Boeser: Still a Trade Chip or a Bounce-Back Candidate?
Brock Boeser’s season hasn’t gone the way either he or the Canucks hoped. With just 12 goals and 25 points through 50 games, he’s tracking toward a career low in production.
That dip has only intensified the trade chatter, especially with the deadline looming. But Boeser’s situation is anything but simple.
He’s carrying a $7.25 million AAV through 2031-32 - a hefty commitment for a player whose offensive numbers have taken a hit. That contract could make him a tough sell on the open market, unless a team is willing to bet on his scoring touch returning in a different system or with a fresh start.
For Vancouver, the decision is layered. Do they try to move him now, selling on name value and the hope he can rediscover his form elsewhere? Or do they hold onto him, banking on a resurgence that could either help the team directly or boost his trade value down the line?
Boeser is a classic case of potential versus price tag. He’s still just 28 and has shown he can be a 25-30 goal scorer when healthy and confident. But the Canucks will have to weigh that upside against the financial flexibility they’d gain by moving on - assuming they can find a trade partner willing to take on the deal or retain salary.
2. Conor Garland: A Veteran with Trade Value - But at What Cost?
Conor Garland’s season has flown a bit under the radar, but make no mistake - he’s still generating real interest around the league. With seven goals and 25 points in 46 games, his production hasn’t exactly jumped off the stat sheet, but his game goes beyond the numbers.
Garland brings energy, defensive responsibility, and a relentless motor that coaches love. He’s the kind of player who complements a young core well - and that’s exactly why some teams might be willing to part with a first-round pick to get him. He’s not a flashy scorer, but he’s reliable, and that has value, especially for playoff-bound teams looking to round out their middle six.
The Canucks have to decide what Garland means to their future. Is he part of the leadership fabric they want to keep around during a retool? Or is he a trade chip that could bring back a meaningful asset to help accelerate the youth movement?
Garland’s early-season hot streak reminded everyone of what he’s capable of, but his cooling-off period in January raised questions about consistency. Even so, his speed, versatility, and two-way game keep him in the conversation as a player with real value - whether that’s to Vancouver or someone else.
3. The Goaltending Question: Can Thatcher Demko Be the Foundation?
Goaltending has been a rollercoaster for the Canucks this season, and Thatcher Demko is at the heart of it. When he’s on, he’s been lights out - the kind of goalie who can steal games and give his team a chance against anyone. But injuries and stretches of inconsistency have made it hard to know exactly what Vancouver can count on in the crease.
Demko still profiles as a foundational piece. He’s got the talent, the pedigree, and the track record to be a long-term No.
- But the Canucks have to ask themselves: is betting on a full return to form the safest move, or is it time to explore other options that might bring more stability?
This isn’t just about stats or wins. It’s about confidence - the team’s confidence in their last line of defense, and Demko’s confidence in his own body and game.
If Vancouver wants to build a contender, they’ll need to know they can rely on their goaltending night in and night out. And if there’s any doubt, the front office may have to consider alternatives, whether that means adding depth or changing direction entirely.
What Comes Next?
With the trade deadline set for March 6, the Canucks are officially on the clock. They’re not out of the playoff picture, but the odds are long. That makes these next few weeks all about positioning - not just for this season, but for the seasons to come.
Do they hang onto Boeser and Garland, hoping for a late push and a stronger finish? Or do they get aggressive in reshaping the roster now, moving veterans to make space for younger talent?
Prospects like Zeev Buium and Tom Willander are knocking on the door, and their emergence is pushing the organization to think long-term. That means every move GM Patrik Allvin makes has to strike a balance between competing now and building something sustainable.
It’s a delicate dance - one that could define the next era of Canucks hockey. Whether they double down on their current core or pivot toward a younger, faster identity, one thing’s for sure: the spotlight in Vancouver isn’t going anywhere.