Vancouver Canucks general manager Ryan Johnson is keeping his cards close to his vest, but league sources confirm he remains very much open for business. The rookie GM is motivated to reshape his roster, offering wingers, underperforming centres, and experienced goalies in trade talks. However, the challenge lies in executing deals, not just discussing them.
Trade Assets and Challenges
Johnson has several pieces other teams covet. One notable asset is veteran winger Jake DeBrusk, who has a no-movement clause for another year, followed by a 15-team no-trade clause. DeBrusk signed in Vancouver to chase playoff games, but with the Canucks out of contention, he might welcome a move—but not to every destination. According to a source speaking to Postmedia News on Tuesday, “Yea I’m pretty sure, along with most others, Jake doesn’t want to go east.” This limits potential trade partners, ruling out teams like the Ottawa Senators.
Potential Trade Partners
Other options exist, such as the Seattle Kraken, who may be willing to move Shane Wright. The 22-year-old centre has shown promise but projects as a low-end second-line centre. The Canucks already have Marco Rossi in a similar role, but accumulating quality mid-range players could support a youth movement. Wright, despite a slightly lower ceiling than once projected, would fit that strategy.
Johnson might also explore trading Elias Pettersson, the former star centre who has drawn interest from the Los Angeles Kings, especially with Anze Kopitar retiring. A league source noted, “They (Canucks) have a few pieces other teams want.”
Rebuilding and Cost Cutting
The Canucks are motivated to build for the future, and ownership supports forward-looking moves that could cut millions from the budget. A rebuild aligns with ownership’s desire to reduce expenses, making cost-cutting a key driver of trade discussions. As the source added, trade talk is one thing, but pulling the trigger is much harder.
