The Vancouver Canucks are having an awful 2025-26 season, and it is only getting worse as the campaign rolls on. They are currently at the bottom of the NHL standings with a 16-25-5 record and have lost each of their last eight games.
With how this campaign has gone for the Canucks, it is no secret that they are set to be sellers at the 2026 NHL trade deadline. Now, several of Vancouver’s players have been named as trade candidates because of it.
During the latest episode of TSN Insider Trading, Chris Johnston mentioned Kiefer Sherwood, Elias Pettersson, Conor Garland, and Jake DeBrusk as players who the Canucks are willing to listen to trade offers for. Johnston also said that Sherwood, who is the lone pending unrestricted free agent (UFA) from this group, has a good chance of being the first player the Canucks trade out of the four.
These Canucks Trade Candidates Should Be Popular Targets
All four of the Canucks forwards that Johnston discussed are certainly notable players. Due to this, there is no question that they each should have a good amount of suitors as we continue to charge toward the 2026 NHL trade deadline.
Sherwood currently has a bargain $1.5 million cap hit, which should make him an appealing target for playoff teams. He is also in the middle of a strong year, as he has recorded 17 goals, six assists, and 210 hits in 44 games. This is after he set career highs with 19 goals, 21 assists, 40 points, and an NHL record 462 hits this past season with Vancouver.
Teams looking for a top-six center certainly should consider making a push for Pettersson. He is right in his prime at 27 years old and has shown in the past that he can be a legitimate star when playing at his best. His expensive contract and struggles this season could make him a risky addition, but the former 102-point center could bounce back with a fresh start.
Garland should draw attention from teams looking for another top-six right winger. This is especially so when noting that the Massachusetts native would be far more than just a rental for any potential suitors, as his six-year, $36 million contract extension does not start until next season. In 35 games this season, he has recorded seven goals and 22 points.
DeBrusk would also be a long-term addition if acquired by another club, as he has a reasonable $5.5 million cap hit until the end of the 2030-31 season. However, he also has a full no-movement clause, so he has full control over whether he will be traded or not. Yet, if he is open to a trade, multiple teams should be interested, as he is a skilled top-six winger. In 45 games so far this season, the 2015 first-round pick has posted 12 goals and 22 points.
