The Vancouver Canucks are experiencing an unexpected surge, securing their first consecutive victories since October, and they've done it in the wake of trading their captain and franchise defenseman, Quinn Hughes. The latest win was a decisive 3-0 shutout over the New York Rangers on Tuesday, December 16, 2025.
New Acquisitions Make Immediate Impact
Ironically, the players acquired in the blockbuster Hughes deal are contributing to the team's sudden success. In the victory over the Rangers, forward Liam Öhgren found the back of the net, while defenseman Zeev Buium continued to show his poise. Center Marco Rossi, another key piece from Minnesota, was praised for his two-way play and prowess in the faceoff circle, despite a quieter offensive night.
Meanwhile, Hughes is thriving with his new club. The Minnesota Wild have also won two straight with him in the lineup, including a 5-0 rout of the Washington Capitals where Hughes recorded an assist.
Kiefer Sherwood Tops Trade Board as Rebuild Continues
Despite the recent wins, the Canucks' front office, led by President of Hockey Operations Jim Rutherford, remains committed to reshaping the roster for the future. According to NHL insiders, the next domino likely to fall is veteran winger Kiefer Sherwood.
Sherwood has become a hot commodity ahead of the trade deadline. The 30-year-old brings a unique blend of physicality and secondary scoring, with 13 goals and a league-second-best 140 hits this season. His team-friendly $1.5 million cap hit only adds to his appeal.
Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman reports that moving Sherwood and other pending unrestricted free agents (UFAs) is a priority. "I think they’ve still got their other UFAs and veterans out there," Friedman stated. "I don’t know that anything’s imminent, but I still think they’d move Sherwood if they could."
Multiple Suitors in the Mix for Sherwood
The trade market for Sherwood is active. The Athletic's Pierre LeBrun and The Fourth Period's David Pagnotta have identified several contenders:
- The Minnesota Wild showed interest even before the Hughes trade.
- The Montreal Canadiens and Dallas Stars have also inquired.
- The injury-riddled Boston Bruins are considered a logical fit.
- A reunion with former coach Rick Tocchet in Philadelphia is a possible connection.
Pagnotta noted the asking price is significant, currently "the equivalent of a first-round pick-plus" for the pending UFA. The Canucks have not permitted interested teams to speak with Sherwood's agent.
Other Veterans Could Be on the Move
Sherwood is not the only Canuck attracting attention. The team is reportedly listening to offers on several other players as they evaluate their long-term core.
Pagnotta mentioned that while a deal for Conor Garland would require a compelling offer, the Canucks are open to discussions on bottom-six forwards Teddy Blueger (a UFA) and Drew O'Connor (signed through next season).
The message from management is clear: the trade of Quinn Hughes was not an isolated event. It was the first major step in a rebuild that Jim Rutherford convinced ownership was necessary, and more moves are expected as Vancouver plots its course for the coming seasons.
