Canucks' Teddy Blueger Faces Uncertain Future as Trade Deadline Looms
Vancouver Canucks head coach Adam Foote offered high praise for veteran centre Teddy Blueger on Wednesday morning, highlighting the player's significant contributions despite an injury-plagued season. However, with Blueger's contract set to expire and the team in a rebuild phase, his future with the franchise remains uncertain as the NHL trade deadline approaches.
Foote's Compliments and Cautious Approach
When asked to assess Blueger's value to the team, Foote did not hold back in his admiration for the 31-year-old Latvian forward. "When Teddy came back after missing as much time as he did, and then to perform, he's one of those guys who could be a hot trade commodity," Foote stated. "I wouldn't want to face him on a playoff run if I was a coach, and he's also a guy I wouldn't want to lose."
Foote emphasized the need for caution regarding Blueger's contract situation and the team's centre depth. "You look at our centre position, and what his contract is and may be, we have to be a little tentative and careful," he explained. "That's what I think of Teddy. Keep some depth there and see where the chips fall."
Blueger's Season and Statistical Impact
Blueger's 2025-26 campaign has been marked by significant challenges. He suffered a leg-muscle injury on October 19 that sidelined him for 43 games, followed by a reinjury during rehabilitation. Despite these setbacks, he managed to score four goals in six games upon his return late last month.
His absence had a measurable impact on the team's performance. During the previous season, with Blueger as a key contributor, the Canucks boasted the NHL's third-best penalty kill at 82.6 percent efficiency. This season, without his defensive prowess for most games, that statistic plummeted to a league-worst 70.6 percent.
Contract Situation and Trade Possibilities
Blueger is currently playing on an expiring contract with a $1.8 million cap hit. While he has expressed appreciation for Foote's comments and his desire to continue with the Canucks, he acknowledged the reality of professional sports. "It's nice of him to say that," Blueger told reporters. "I obviously have a lot of respect and love playing for him, and would love for that to continue, but that being said, you never know what may happen."
The Canucks' management appears focused on a rebuild strategy that prioritizes accumulating draft picks. Blueger's versatility and experience—including a Stanley Cup championship with the Vegas Golden Knights and Olympic participation—could make him attractive to playoff-bound teams, potentially fetching a third-round pick in return.
Team Dynamics and Future Considerations
Blueger's potential departure would create depth concerns for the Canucks, particularly if other moves materialize. The team faces uncertainty with Elias Pettersson's possible waiver of his no-movement clause and Filip Chytil's ongoing health issues, including a fractured facial bone. Additionally, unrestricted free agent David Kampf might seek opportunities with playoff contenders.
If Blueger is traded, the Canucks would need to rely on younger options like Marco Rossi, Max Sasson, Aatu Raty, and prospect Braeden Cootes at centre, unless they pursue additional moves in the offseason.
Blueger's Perspective and Leadership Value
Having experienced trades before—moving from Pittsburgh to Las Vegas late in the 2022-23 season—Blueger understands the business side of hockey. He emphasized the importance of daily commitment and accountability, lessons he learned from playing with established stars like Sidney Crosby, Kris Letang, and Evgeni Malkin in Pittsburgh.
"In Vegas, everybody had a pretty clear and defined role that they were willing to do and to a high standard," Blueger recalled. "They complement each other and make the team tick. Everybody bought in and was very supportive of each other and set extremely high expectations for performance."
He stressed that success requires full investment from every player. "If you have three or four guys who aren't fully invested, you can't really win with that. You need everybody."
The Decision Ahead
As the trade deadline nears, the Canucks must weigh Blueger's leadership and on-ice contributions against the long-term rebuild goals. Will they retain him to guide younger players, or will they capitalize on his trade value to stockpile future assets? The answer will soon become clear, shaping both Blueger's career trajectory and the team's direction for seasons to come.
