Canucks Eye Moves for DeBrusk Pettersson and Hronek

No offers had arrived for any Vancouver Canucks players by 9:30 a.m. on draft day morning in Vancouver.

Trading DeBrusk Clears Immediate Cap Space

The Canucks hold a clear path to move Jake DeBrusk whose contract carries a $5.5 million cap hit through 2027-28. Daily Faceoff analyst Irfaan Gaffar named DeBrusk the most obvious candidate for a trade because his skill set fits many contending rosters. Moving him would free $5.5 million and allow Vancouver to retain only 25 percent of the salary in a potential deal. The team has already explored multiple suitors and expects at least a second-round pick in return.

DeBrusk posted 19 goals and 26 assists in 76 games during the 2025-26 season yet struggled to produce in the playoffs. The Canucks contrast this output with their need for younger bottom-six options who cost less against the cap. Gaffar stated the organization believes a deal for DeBrusk will happen at some point this offseason.

A trade would also address the stated goal of bringing fresh voices into the room. DeBrusk has been with the organization since 2023 and represents one of the older voices among the forward group. Replacing him with a prospect or a younger veteran would align with the timeline of Quinn Hughes and Brock Boeser.

Pettersson Deal Remains the Highest Priority

Elias Pettersson carries a $11.6 million annual cap hit through 2031-32 making any move difficult yet the organization would accept a substantial return. Gaffar noted the Canucks would move mountains to shed the contract if an acceptable offer surfaces. The size of the deal requires at least two first-round picks or an established top-pair defenseman coming back.

Pettersson managed 33 goals and 55 assists in 82 games last season but his production dipped sharply after the All-Star break. The Canucks contrast this decline with the need to build around a core that includes J.T. Miller and Elias Lindholm. A Pettersson trade would immediately improve internal chemistry according to Gaffar.

The forward has one year remaining on his current deal before an eight-year extension kicks in. Any acquiring team would assume the full $11.6 million hit unless Vancouver retains salary which further complicates the math. The front office continues to field calls but has not received a formal offer as of draft morning.

Hronek Represents the Highest-Value Asset

Filip Hronek posted 11 goals and 39 assists from the blue line in 2025-26 and remains under contract for three more seasons at $4.4 million. Gaffar described him as the Canucks best trade chip because a first-round pick is the minimum expected return. The team would only move him for a deal they absolutely love.

Hronek logged 22 minutes per game on the top pairing and led the defense in even-strength ice time. The Canucks contrast this usage with their prospect pipeline that now includes several young right-shot defensemen. Retaining Hronek keeps the blue line stable while a trade accelerates the rebuild.

Gaffar emphasized that Hronek would be shown any offer that meets the threshold. The organization has not received such a proposal yet but draft-day movement remains possible. A first-round selection in 2026 or 2027 would immediately strengthen the prospect pool.

The three moves together would reduce the payroll by roughly $21.5 million and inject at least two high draft picks. The Canucks view these changes as essential to align the roster with their young core before the 2026-27 season.