The Canucks' 2026 Fire Sale
Can We Actually Do This Right for Once?
We are officially in “The Great Reset.” After watching Quinn Hughes wear a different jersey in Minnesota, the Band-Aid hasn’t just come off; we’ve lost the whole arm. We’re at the bottom of the Pacific. The Olympic break is coming up, and GM Patrik Allvin has nine days after the Games to decide if this rebuild is serious or if we’re just wasting time again.
I am caught between “Trust the Process” and “Throw the Remote at the TV.” Here’s the realistic (and slightly painful) roadmap for the 2026 Trade Deadline.
1. The Evander Kane Sweepstakes
According to the insiders, Colorado and Dallas are showing interest. Kane is 34 and a pending UFA; he doesn’t fit into the five-year plan.
The Reality: We probably will need to keep 50% of his salary. It’s frustrating to pay a player to score goals for a competitor, but this is the only way to get a 2nd-round pick from a contender.
The Fan Take: If we keep him just to finish 30th, it’s a failure. Get the pick, move on, and let’s watch some kids from Abbotsford instead.
2. The Bottom-Six “Playoff Grit” (Kämpf & Blueger)
Every year, we hear the same thing: “Contenders love defensive centers.” We have two in David Kämpf and Teddy Blueger. They won’t lead us to a Cup in 2030, but they are the kind of bottom-six playoff grit that teams like Tampa or Florida overpay for in March.
The Reality: Blueger has been hot since returning from injury, scoring 4 goals in 8 games. His value won’t get any higher. Kämpf is steady and reliable. Most importantly, he’s cheap at $1.1 million.
The Fan Take: I like these guys; they work hard. But if we can’t turn “hard work on the fourth line” into a 2nd or 3rd-round pick during a 30th-place season, what are we doing? If they’re still here on March 7, it’s just poor asset management.
3. The Elephant in the Room: Elias Pettersson
Petey has about 34 points in 57 games. At $11.6 million, we need a superstar, not just a solid player. Buffalo is being mentioned as a potential destination, but fitting that contract into anyone’s cap is a nightmare.
The Reality: The Olympic roster freeze gives everyone some breathing room. If a team like Buffalo offers a package centered around a young talent like Konsta Helenius and a 1st round pick, Allvin has to consider it.
The Fan Take: We want to love Petey, but we can’t embrace a $92 million contract that isn’t producing. If he isn’t the cornerstone, he’s just a burden.
4. The “Culture” Trade: Brock Boeser or Conor Garland?
This is where it gets tough. Both players have been key parts of this team, but reports from The Athletic suggest they are the veterans most likely to be traded. Garland’s no-move clause doesn’t kick in until July 1st—the clock is ticking on our leverage.
The Reality: Boeser is signed through 2032 at $7.25 million. Moving that contract will be challenging unless management opts for quantity over quality in return.
The Fan Take: Trading Boeser feels like losing the last piece of the team’s identity. But if it brings back a top defensive prospect to play with Zeev Buium, it’s worth considering.
Final Thoughts
We already traded Kiefer Sherwood for two 2nd-rounders, a rare win for the front office. Now, the mission is clear: Don’t get sentimental. This roster is the bottom of the league for a reason. The “mushy middle” is gone; long live the rebuild.