The Vancouver Canucks traded defenceman Marcus Pettersson to the New York Rangers on Wednesday, receiving a top-10 protected 2030 first-round draft pick in return. The move is the latest signal that the club's roster rebuild is accelerating under general manager Ryan Johnson.
Pettersson Departure and Rebuild Strategy
Pettersson, 30, was acquired from the Pittsburgh Penguins just five days before the 2025 trade deadline and signed to a six-year contract worth US$5.5 million per season. He struggled defensively for the last-place Canucks, managing only 18 points (3-15) on the league's second-lowest scoring team. Despite his commitment to the rebuild, the trade option arose and Johnson acted quickly.
“For Marcus, a team desiring him, he has a chance to win now,” said Johnson. “It’s a win for us and for him in where he’s at in his career.”
The 2030 first-round pick is long-range vision for a team that hopes to be competitive in four years. “I’m OK looking into the future with teams in some of these returns and teams are limited in what they can do short term in futures and more apt to push things, which is fine by me,” added Johnson. “It was an opportunity I needed to take.”
Jamie Oleksiak and Luke Schenn Add Size and Experience
On the same day, the Canucks signed 6-foot-7 unrestricted free-agent defenceman Jamie Oleksiak, 33, to a two-year deal with an average annual salary of $5 million. Oleksiak, a 2011 first-round pick, has played 758 NHL games with three clubs and brings a 252-pound frame to address the team's need for size.
“Throughout the course of the week, you’re looking at all kinds of different players and what may come available and the timing of Marcus and the opportunity that may come from today,” said Johnson. “You have to pivot very quickly and I did it extremely quickly.”
Johnson emphasized that Oleksiak will help mentor young defencemen. “I feel like on a shorter term we’re getting a big body who can penalty kill and some stiffness. You look at the young defencemen we have and to pair each with an experienced player will help them through their development. And we’re adding a very good person who wants to be in Vancouver. Again, that’s a win-win for me.”
The Canucks also signed veteran blueliner Luke Schenn, 36, to a one-year contract to provide back-end depth and carry the team's culture.
Pettersson Reflects on Season
Before the trade, Pettersson tried to stay positive amid a difficult season. “It’s supposed to be a fun game — not so threatening,” he said. “We’ve got a young team and for a lot of guys it was the first time. We’ve said to ourselves that we’ll start building something here. It starts now.”
The Canucks finished last in the league, and the trade deadline moves signal a full commitment to rebuilding through draft picks and young talent. Johnson's actions support the roster rebuild immediately and in the future, as he walks the walk with a pep in his step.
