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Roberto Luongo, Vancouver Canucks (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)

Canucks News & Rumours: Luongo, Patterson & Pettersson’s Trade Value

Originally posted on The Hockey Writers | By The Old Prof | Last updated Feb 13, 2026 1:30 PM ET

Some weeks, it feels like the Vancouver Canucks are trying to keep a leaky boat afloat with a few buckets of water and a prayer. Between underperforming stars, draft picks in limbo, and prospects either excelling or quietly raising eyebrows, there almost always seem to be issues. As the NHL season winds toward the trade deadline, every story feels bigger, every performance more significant, and every move a potential turning point.

In today’s Canucks News & Rumours, I’ll take a closer look at three stories that illustrate the Canucks’ present and future: a legend finally recognized for his junior dominance, a former franchise cornerstone whose stock is slipping, and a young prospect lighting up the Ontario Hockey League (OHL) and staking his claim with the organization. Each tells a different story, but all speak to the tension between past glories, present challenges, and future hopes.

Item One: Luongo Honoured as One of the CHL’s Greatest in 50-Year Celebration

The Canadian Hockey League (CHL) is celebrating its 50th anniversary with a list of the Top 50 Players of the Last 50 Years, and it’s no surprise that Roberto Luongo makes the cut. Before becoming a household name in Vancouver, Luongo spent four seasons in the Quebec Maritimes Junior Hockey League (QMJHL) with the Val-d’Or Foreurs and Acadie-Bathurst Titan, leading both clubs to league championships and deep playoff runs. Even then, it was clear he had something special between the pipes.

Once he reached the NHL, Luongo’s trajectory only accelerated. Drafted by the New York Islanders and quickly stepping in with the Florida Panthers, he arrived in Vancouver in 2006 and changed the franchise overnight. From Vezina-calibre seasons to the unforgettable 2011 Stanley Cup run, his impact was felt on every level. Add in his international success—including Olympic gold in 2010 on home soil—and you see a career that combines longevity, skill, and leadership.

Being named to the CHL’s Top 50 isn’t just a nod to his junior years; it’s a recognition of the complete arc of a career that set the standard for Canucks goaltending. Currently, Luongo works as a special advisor for the Panthers.

Item Two: Elias Pettersson’s Dropping Trade Value

It’s been a bumpy few years for Elias Pettersson. Once the bright young star of Vancouver, he’s struggled to recapture his 102-point peak from 2022-23. This season, he’s at 13 goals and 21 assists through 49 games, a far cry from the dominance fans once expected. Analyst Craig Button recently put things in perspective on the Donnie and Dhali show, comparing Pettersson to Jonathan Huberdeau and suggesting that while he may never reach elite, game-changing levels again, he could still be a strong second-line center.

Chicago Blackhawks forward Nick Foligno faces off against Vancouver Canucks forward Elias Pettersson (Bob Frid-Imagn Images)

The 27-year-old isn’t done, though. A change of scenery could reignite his scoring touch, and several teams—Detroit Red Wings, Buffalo Sabres, Carolina Hurricanes, Minnesota Wild, and Utah Mammoth—look like promising landing spots. With less pressure and strong supporting casts, Pettersson could find himself back on pace for a point-per-game season.

The narrative around him is shifting, but the talent is still there. Whether Vancouver holds on, trades him, or finds another way forward, Pettersson’s story will continue to be one of the most watched in the NHL.

Item Three: Riley Patterson Explodes for Five Points, Continues Strong OHL Season

Meanwhile, the Canucks’ farm system is delivering excitement. Riley Patterson put on a show Thursday, scoring a goal and four assists as the OHL’s Niagara IceDogs beat Owen Sound Attack 6-3. Patterson’s career-best 30 goals now top last season’s 29, and he’s racked up 68 points in just 45 games.

Riley Patterson, Niagara IceDogs (Natalie Shaver/OHL Images)

Since January, Patterson has been on fire—nine goals and 13 assists over 12 games. The Canucks clearly noticed, signing him to an entry-level deal after a taste of NHL training camp. If this keeps up, Patterson could become one of those prospects who makes you sit up and take notice, the kind who brings energy, skill, and a scoring touch that translates at the next level.

What’s Next for the Canucks?

Between recognizing the legends of the past, managing the present struggles of stars like Pettersson, and keeping an eye on prospects like Patterson, Vancouver has a lot to juggle. The next few weeks will reveal a lot—whether the organization leans on trades, gives its young players room to grow, or tries to stabilize the current roster, it’s going to be a busy stretch.

For fans, it’s a mix of nostalgia, caution, and cautious excitement. Seeing Luongo honoured reminds us of what the franchise is capable of producing. Watching Patterson light up the OHL shows that the future isn’t completely bleak. And tracking Pettersson’s next move? Well, that could define the team for years to come. In short, there’s plenty to talk about—and plenty to hope for—as the Canucks navigate the second half of this unpredictable season.