With the Canucks strapped for cap space, treading .500 territory, and trying to get younger, they could be looking to retool rather than load up.
They play in a supremely difficult conference, facing the likes of the Edmonton Oilers, Vegas Golden Knights, Dallas Stars, and Colorado Avalanche who all appear to be at the top of the mountain, and with the early season success of teams like the Anaheim Ducks and Chicago Blackhawks, it appears as though the Western Conference is only getting more competitive.
With that said, it could force the Canucks into a sell off by the time the March 2026 trade deadline rolls around, and with quality depth veterans on expiring contracts, they are in a favourable situation to showcase these players and garner maximum return.
Evander Kane
A native of Vancouver, Kane was acquired from the Edmonton Oilers in the summer for a fourth-round pick in the 2025 draft, a relatively modest price. Kane did not make an appearance for the Oilers during the 2024-2025 NHL regular season as he was recovering from multiple surgeries, but he actually proved to be effective as a depth scorer in the playoffs, putting up 12 points in 21 playoffs games.
The Canucks likely acquired Kane knowing they could provide him with a bigger role and more minutes, as he is playing on the top line and averaging 1:23 more per game this season than in the playoff games he played for Edmonton last season.
His competitive nature and physical play were undoubtedly brought in to replace much of the grit and grind play that J.T. Miller took with him to the Rangers, and with four straight playoff appearances, including 41 playoff games played in the last two seasons, Kane’s depth scoring touch, toughness and veteran presence is something that many contending teams would welcome come the start of the playoffs.
Kiefer Sherwood
Currently the Canucks leading goal scorer and tied for fourth in the NHL in overall goals, the importance of Sherwood’s 11 goals in 18 games so far cannot be understated. Sherwood has never had a salary cap hit of more than his current $1.5 million, and at age 30 could be looking to cash in on what could be a life changing contract for himself.
Two questions must be addressed by the Canucks regarding the future of Sherwood. 1. Are the Canucks willing to pay what Sherwood could potentially command as an unrestricted free agent? And 2. Would the Canucks prefer to cash in on Sherwood’s excellent start?
Sherwood’s low cap hit and ability to take on a depth role with high intensity and extreme physicality, in addition to penalty killing, make him an extremely attractive option for contending teams, especially come playoff time as it pertains to teams needing to be cap compliant during the Stanley Cup Playoffs, but also as it pertains to effective play style in the playoffs.
Drew O’Connor
Acquired from the Pittsburgh Penguins in succession to the J.T. Miller trade to the New York Rangers, Drew O’Connor is another depth player that could help solidify a contender’s bottom six. O’Connor is tied for eighth on the Canucks for team scoring with eight points in 18 games, putting him on pace for a new career high in points.
He is known for his terrific speed, as he has consistently been in the 90th percentile of 18-20, 20-22. And 22+ MPH Bursts in recent seasons, despite his ice time being in line with a middle to bottom six player. This makes him an effective forechecker as he is able to utilize that speed in puck pursuit and to pressure defenders in the offensive zone, but also allows him to be a responsible defensive player as well, as he is receiving significant penalty kill time.
O’Connor does have another year on the books after this one, but at a modest $2.5 million cap hit, he is someone who could play a depth role on a contending team this and next season.