Canucks Reportedly Refuse to Cross Line in Thin Center Trade Market

Chytil’s injury, believed to be another concussion, has intensified Vancouver’s urgency to find a capable middle-six option. With Jonathan Lekkerimaki, Teddy Blueger, and Nils Hoglander also sidelined, the Canucks’ organizational depth has thinned considerably.

According to TSN’s Darren Dreger, Allvin has been pursuing a second-line or two-way center since the offseason, to no avail.

“If they’re not past (calling up AHL players), they’re on the cusp of being past that,” Dreger said of the Canucks' internal options. “You can dive in Abbotsford, in the American Hockey League, and see key injuries there up the middle as well. This makes it very difficult on an organizational level for general manager Patrik Allvin and the Canucks.”

Added Dreger: “There are so many other NHL clubs also looking for a No. 2 or No. 3 center. So, the market is incredibly thin in that area, and Allvin knows that.”

Frank Seravalli said during "Frank Hockey" on Thursday that the Canucks are open to moving young players, but their unwillingness to trade their top pick means whatever comes back may not move the needle.

“They’ve been willing to give up young assets to make the right fit happen,” Seravalli noted, “but [Allvin] might have to consider some alternative measures — not players you’d be getting super excited about.”

For now, the Canucks are exploring options and carrying a 4-4-0 record into Saturday's game against the Montreal Canadiens, with puck drop set for 7 p.m. ET.