The Canucks' trade chips are up for grabs as the deadline approaches, and it's time to rank them by potential return. From the controversial to the reliable, here's a breakdown of the Canucks' assets and what they might fetch in trades.
Elias Pettersson
Potential Return: 1st round pick, quality prospect, young NHLer, cap dump
Elias Pettersson is a hot topic, and for good reason. Despite his recent benching, teams are reportedly interested, and his potential return is significant. Pettersson's ability to bounce back and his perceived value as a 1C make him a desirable asset. The Canucks could hope for a package including two rebuild pieces, a mid-range NHLer, and salary ballast, which is a substantial return.
Conor Garland
Potential Return: 1st round pick and prospect
Garland's recent hot streak and past performance make him an attractive option. His salary is reasonable for his production, and he brings effort-based intangibles. Teams will pay a premium for Garland, making him the only player on this list with the potential to return a first-round pick.
Tyler Myers
Potential Return: 2nd round pick and prospect
Myers' trade value depends on finding a suitable destination. If the trade is fair, he could fetch a second-round pick as a minimum. His size, handedness, and defensive skills make him a valuable asset, and multiple teams bidding could increase the return.
Jake DeBrusk
Potential Return: 2nd round pick and mid-round pick
DeBrusk's recent struggles have impacted his value, but his age and scoring ability keep him in demand. His $5.5 million cap hit is reasonable, and some teams might see him as a one-year blip. A second-round pick plus a mid-round pick is a possible return.
Marcus Pettersson
Potential Return: 2nd round pick and late-round pick
Marcus Pettersson's play has been poor, but his reputation as a reliable veteran remains. His size and ability to eat minutes make him an attractive option. A second-round pick is achievable, with maybe an extra pick to sweeten the deal.
Drew O'Connor
Potential Return: Two 3rd round picks
O'Connor's value lies in his depth role, penalty-killing, and cost-effectiveness. His frame, speed, and abilities make him a great addition for playoff-bound teams. Two mid-round picks seem like a fair return for his services.
Teddy Blueger
Potential Return: 3rd round pick
Blueger's veteran reliability and playmaking skills make him a valuable pending UFA. His ability to play center and make an impact from the bottom of the lineup is notable. A third-round pick seems like a realistic return.
Evander Kane
Potential Return: 3rd round pick with retention
Interest in Kane remains, but his value might be limited. The Canucks' willingness to employ retention could ensure a deal, and a third-round pick is a likely return.
Kevin Lankinen
Potential Return: 4th round pick
Lankinen's value is still intact as a reliable backup, but the goalie market is scarce. A fourth-round pick is a possible return, with the understanding that his contract might limit the trade value.
David Kampf
Potential Return: 4th round pick
Kampf's standard fourth-line role and penalty-killing skills make him a desirable depth player. A fourth-round pick is a fair return for his abilities.
Brock Boeser
Potential Return: Late pick plus another bad contract
Boeser's value is uncertain, but his goal-scoring ability and key-moment production keep him in the trade conversation. Swapping his contract for a shorter-term bad contract might be a viable option, but the Canucks might struggle to find a willing partner.
Thatcher Demko
Potential Return: No/negative value
Demko's perpetual injuries make him a liability. His $8.5 million cap hit is a significant penalty, and his inability to stay healthy makes him a difficult asset to trade. The Canucks might have to pay to get rid of him, and finding a taker could be challenging.
