Saturday night hockey is back, and Canucks fans have plenty to chew on. While the buzz around potential trades involving Tyler Myers, Teddy Blueger, Evander Kane, and Jake DeBrusk continues, there’s still hockey to be played. Many fans seem open to a roster shake-up, even if it means fielding a team that might struggle at the AHL level for the rest of the season.
But let's talk about Quinn Hughes, the former Canucks captain, who’s set to make a splash on “Saturday Night Live” this weekend. Wild GM Bill Guerin confirmed Hughes will be flying to New York for his late-night appearance. Following the Olympic gold medal win, Hughes' reputation has taken a hit among Canucks fans, partly due to the U.S. team’s controversial celebrations.
Keep an eye on SNL for more local flavor, with Connor Storrie hosting. His co-star, Kelowna native Hudson Williams, might make a cameo, adding a touch of hockey to the comedy show.
Meanwhile, the Canucks face the Seattle Kraken, who are clinging to a playoff spot despite recent struggles. The Kraken’s latest outing against the St.
Louis Blues was rough, marked by a sluggish start and a 5-1 loss. Defenseman Brandon Montour voiced the team’s frustration, highlighting their lack of energy post-break.
The Kraken remain in playoff contention, but their grip is tenuous. Anaheim’s comeback win over the Oilers pushed Seattle into the second wild-card spot, adding pressure as they return home.
For Canucks fans, the focus is shifting to the draft. The team is expected to be active sellers at the trade deadline, with The Athletic ranking them just behind the Blues in terms of trade activity. Key players like Evander Kane and Teddy Blueger are on the block, and even Brock Boeser, who recently signed a long-term deal, is open to trade discussions if the fit is right.
TSN insiders suggest Filip Hronek is the only untouchable on the roster, leaving the door open for significant changes. With Boeser’s playoff pedigree, interest from other teams is likely.
As the Canucks sit at the bottom of the power rankings, the focus turns to the future. ESPN’s betting odds reflect the team’s struggles, predicting a tough road ahead. Yet, the draft offers hope, with potential targets like Gavin McKenna drawing attention.
The Canucks’ season may be winding down, but the drama is far from over. Whether it’s trades, late-night TV appearances, or draft prospects, there’s plenty to keep fans engaged as the team looks to rebuild and refocus.