NHL Shockwaves: Canucks and Maple Leafs Poised for Game-Changing Moves—What You Need to Know!

The Vancouver Canucks find themselves at a fascinating crossroads, juggling the futures of both pending free agents and those locked into their contracts. It’s not often you see a team willing to open the door to trade talks while still striving to preserve a nucleus of veterans to mentor their blossoming talent. Players like Brock Boeser, Jake DeBrusk, and Evander Kane haven’t hit the stride many hoped for, creating tough decisions for management. Meanwhile, Kiefer Sherwood’s situation teases intrigue — with no extension offer on the table and trade talks simmering below the surface, the potential for a deadline deal looms large. And let’s not overlook Kane, whose decreased value and uncertain future make him a likely candidate for a mid-round pick trade. All told, the Canucks’ maneuvering paints a vivid picture of a club carefully navigating between patience and pragmatism as the deadline approaches. LEARN MORE

The Vancouver Canucks are listening on pending free agents and some with term

Thomas Drance of The Athletic: The Vancouver Canucks are holding trade talks with teams, listing on pending UFAs and players with term. They want to keep some veterans to insulate their younger players.

If a sensible trade offer is presented to anyone with term on their contracts, they have to consider it. The likes of Brock Boeser, Jake DeBrusk, and Evander Kane have struggled.

The Canucks talked extension with Kiefer Sherwood, but didn’t make an offer. It’s expected that he’s traded before the trade deadline, and there is interest, but not one good enough yet for them to make the move now. Sherwood hasn’t been granted permission to talk with teams about an extension. If they took back a bad contract, they could increase their return. Same if they bundled more assets with him.

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Kane’s play hasn’t been great and his value is down. He’s a pending UFA and not in their future plans. He’ll likely be dealt, maybe for a mid-round pick.

Three levels and options of defensemen the Toronto Maple Leafs could consider trading for

Jonas Siegel of The Athletic: Toronto Maple Leafs defenseman Chris Tanev could be done for the season. Defensemen Jake McCabe, Brandon Carlo and Morgan Rielly have missed time with injuries. GM Brad Treliving could be looking to add a right-handed defenseman in case Tanev is done for the year. Three options ranging from big to small.

Rasmus Andersson – Calgary Flames – Could form a top-pairing with Jake McCabe. Not a prototypical No. 1 defenseman though. The Leafs may not have the assets that the to pull it off. Would it take Easton Cowan and Ben Danford? Would they have to add a 2027 2nd round pick?

Andersson might be interested in signing an extension, but it could come in around $8 to $9 million for the Maple Leafs. He’s over 30 and the Leafs already have an aging blueline. Acquisition cost and extension price/term may be too much for the Leafs.

Justin Faulk – St. Louis Blues – The 34-year-old has one year left on his deal. The Blues may be after a first-round pick, something the Leafs don’t have for two years. The Leafs may need salary retained. Would a 2027 2nd and a prospect not named Cowan or Danford work?

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Luke Schenn – Winnipeg Jets – What about a 3rd go-around with the Maple Leafs for Schenn. Pending UFA with a $2.75 million cap hit. Would a 5th or 6th round pick be enough? Would be an upgrade on their current depth options.

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