The Vancouver Canucks are in the middle of a major rebuild and should once again be sellers this season because of it.
The Canucks are currently at the bottom of the NHL standings with a 3-16-1 record. With this, it would not be surprising in the slightest if we see them move on from multiple players by this year's trade deadline.
A few notable Canucks players have already been creating chatter in the rumor mill this season. Among them are Elias Pettersson, Jake DeBrusk, and Drew O'Connor.
However, the Canucks also have some under-the-radar players who could be trade candidates to watch once we get closer to the deadline. Let's discuss three of them now.
Paul Cotter, LW
Paul Cotter had an electric start to his Canucks tenure this season. The 26-year-old forward recorded four goals and six points in his first four games alone. However, he has cooled off since then, as he has just two assists in his last 15 games.
While Cotter is not dominating like he was at the start of the season, he still could generate a good amount of trade interest ahead of the deadline. Contenders are always on the hunt for hard-nosed forwards for their bottom six, and Cotter fits that description.
Cotter is also a pending unrestricted (UFA), so he could be a good rental for a playoff team to add. Thus, if he does not have an extension near the deadline, he could be a player dealt.
Filip Chytil, C
Filip Chytil is another pending UFA who could be a trade candidate to watch leading up to the deadline.
If Chytil can stay healthy once he returns from his current injury and regains his previous form, he could be an interesting player for a playoff team to add to their forward depth.
Chytil has shown in the past that he can produce some solid secondary offense. He had 13 goals and 26 points in 56 games split between the New York Rangers and Canucks in 2024-25. He also set career highs with 22 goals and 45 points in 74 games with New York in 2022-23.
With past numbers like these, Chytil could potentially generate interest, but his injury history could keep teams away.
Luke Schenn, D
Luke Schenn returned to the Canucks this offseason on a one-year, $2.25 million contract. With this, he is currently in his third stint with the team.
If Schenn ends up being willing to waive his no-movement clause (NMC) closer to the deadline, he could become a trade candidate to watch. Playoff teams value big shutdown defensemen like Schenn. It's exactly why he was traded at the deadline during both the 2024-25 and 2025-26 seasons.
However, if Schenn is unwilling to waive his NMC this season, he will finish the season with the Canucks. It will ultimately come down to whether or not the 19-year NHL veteran would like to have a chance to go after his third Stanley Cup.
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