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Feb 11, 2026; Milan, Italy; Damian Clara of Italy in action with Elias Pettersson of Sweden in men’s ice hockey group B play during the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic Winter Games at Milano Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mike Segar/Reuters via Imagn Images

Canucks News & Rumours: Pettersson, Alcos Move & Kane Trade

Originally posted on The Hockey Writers | By The Old Prof | Last updated Feb 15, 2026 2:20 PM ET

It’s been a strange stretch for the Vancouver Canucks. The season hasn’t gone according to plan, and even in the middle of the Olympic break, there’s plenty to talk about. On one hand, you have Elias Pettersson finally finding his groove on the international stage, giving Canucks fans a glimpse of the player they expect in big games.

On the other hand, the organization is keeping a close eye on prospects, like Parker Alcos, making developmental moves that could pay off down the road. Then there’s the reality of the trade deadline looming, with Evander Kane suddenly at the center of some serious chatter.

When you step back, it’s a mix of urgency and opportunity. Vancouver is far from a playoff team this season, which means the front office can explore trades without too much pressure while also watching young players take meaningful steps forward. These are the kinds of weeks that can feel hectic, even when the NHL schedule pauses, and they’re exactly the weeks that test how a team balances immediate decisions with the long view. Here’s a closer look at what’s happening right now.

Item One: Pettersson Finds His Groove for Team Sweden

It took a couple of games, but Elias Pettersson finally made his mark in the 2026 Winter Olympics. In Sweden’s 5–3 win over Slovakia, he scored twice, the first goal putting Sweden ahead for good late in the second period and the second providing breathing room midway through the third. For a player who has sometimes had slow starts at international tournaments, this kind of performance can reset the tone and give a team confidence when it’s most needed.

The timing couldn’t have been more important. Sweden hasn’t dominated group play as many expected, and even with the win, they might still need to play in the qualification round rather than earn a direct bye to the quarterfinals. That’s not ideal for a team with medal expectations, but it’s not the end of the world either.

For Vancouver fans, the takeaway is simple: Pettersson looks dialled in, engaged, and dangerous. If he keeps this pace, he could be the difference-maker for Sweden down the stretch and a reminder of the kind of performance he can deliver when it really matters.

Item Two: Canucks Prospect Parker Alcos Takes the NCAA Route with Quinnipiac University

The NCAA pathway has slowed down a bit this season, but the Canucks still have a new name to add to the list. Parker Alcos, a 19-year-old defenseman and sixth-round pick in 2024, announced that he’ll be playing at Quinnipiac University next season. It’s a big step for a player who split this season between the Western Hockey League (WHL) Edmonton Oil Kings and Kelowna Rockets, combining for five goals and 18 assists in 47 games. That already surpasses his production from the last two seasons combined.

Parker Alcos, Edmonton Oil Kings (Oilers Entertainment Group/LA Media)

Alcos won’t be going alone. Vancouver’s 2025 seventh-rounder Matthew Lansing is already in the program, and Alcos will also join Christian Kirsch, a San Jose Sharks prospect making the same switch for 2026–27. From the Canucks’ perspective, the timing works out neatly.

If Alcos had stayed in junior, they would have had until June 1 to sign him to an entry-level deal or lose his rights. By moving to the NCAA, that window extends, giving the front office more time to watch him develop in a structured program without rushing a decision. It’s a quiet but smart move for a young defender still finding his game.

Item Three: Canucks Explore Trade Options for Evander Kane

The last piece of news is the one everyone expected: Evander Kane could be on the move. The Canucks are near the bottom of the standings and are reportedly looking for a mid-round pick in return. If teams aren’t willing to meet Vancouver’s initial asking price, the team may drop it a bit to make a deal happen. Chris Johnston reported that Vancouver is willing to retain some of Kane’s $5.125 million cap hit, making a third-round pick the likely return.

Evander Kane, Vancouver Canucks (Bob Frid-Imagn Images)

Kane is in the final year of his contract and will become an unrestricted free agent after the season. He has a 16-team approved trade list, and given Vancouver’s position, he likely won’t be too picky about his next destination. Offensively, it’s been a rough season (only nine goals and 25 points in 56 games), but much of that is a reflection of the team he’s on. He’s still putting in work physically, racking up 94 hits, and has a history of being a serious playoff contributor.

During his time with the Edmonton Oilers, he recorded 26 goals and 42 points in 68 playoff games, including a stretch in which he led all scorers with 13 goals in 15 games. Any team looking to boost their lineup for a playoff push could get a high-impact player for a relatively modest cost.

What’s Next for the Canucks?

All three stories highlight the balancing act the Canucks are facing this season. Pettersson’s Olympic performance shows what the team’s star can do when engaged. Alcos’ move to the NCAA is a quiet, smart way to protect the organization’s investment in a young player while giving him time to develop. Kane’s trade potential reminds everyone that the deadline is a tool, whether the team uses it to stockpile picks, move veterans, or give players a chance to chase a better situation elsewhere.

Vancouver may not be contending this season, but the front office has options, and the prospect pipeline is showing progress. The combination of immediate decisions and long-term planning makes for a week that is as interesting off the ice as anything happening on it. For fans, it’s a reminder that even a rough season can produce stories worth following — and players worth watching.