Canucks Could Move Key Veterans and 'Pivot' to Youth Movement

"Demko, Garland—you know, the guys who are extension eligible—I think if you’re struggling to get their autograph on an extension, if those contract talks end up finding their wheels spinning, then yeah (they could consider moving them)," Drance said. "Those are valuable players who may—the club may have to take a long look at considering whether they pivot and utilize those guys to sort of improve or get younger or get players that have term on their deals, just given sort of the precarious spot in their team-building cycle that this team finds itself at."

Demko, 29, is entering the final season of a five-year, $25 million deal. Garland, 29, is in a similar situation, with one season left on his five-year, $24.75 million contract.

While the club may consider moving on from some veterans, not all important assets are on the table.

Drance made it clear that one name in particular is untouchable.

"I think Elias Pettersson, the young defenseman, I think he’s off the table," Drance said. "I think he’s as close to untouchable as it gets."

The 21-year-old blueliner, who has played just 28 NHL games, has two years remaining on his entry-level contract and scored three points (one goal, two assists) this season. 

The Canucks drafted Pettersson with the No. 80 overall pick of the 2022 NHL draft.