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NHL Insider Links Vancouver Canucks to Two Solid Top-Six Forwards

Originally posted on Hockey Latest | By Daniel Lucente | Last updated Jul 16, 2025 10:47 AM ET

NHL insider David Pagnotta has linked the Canucks to two star left-wingers, one being Pavel Zacha of the Bruins, and the other Jared McCann of the Kraken.

Although never of the highest priority to trade Jared McCann, rumors are swirling. The Seattle Kraken possess more than $16 million of salary cap availability, but coupled with a roster of RFAs to re-sign, there are still rumors that something bigger is going on.

Seattle got Mason Marchment, Freddie Gaudreau, and Joe Veleno this offseason, and said goodbye to Andre Burakovsky.

They themselves are not necessarily a superstar team, but they possess incredible depth, and they're going to be close to a playoff team come next year.

McCann is still one of the most consistent team contributors, even though he is a year older. He possesses a two-year contract with a $5 million AAV. For that caliber of offense with positional flexibility, a trade could be in the cards for the Kraken.

But most recently, NHL insider David Pagnotta connected the Vancouver Canucks with McCann. Vancouver, losing Pius Suter to free agency, certainly needs to improve at center.

McCann isn't a faceoff dot thumper but possesses scoring polish and grit, so he fits stylistically.

Boston Bruins' Pavel Zacha is also on the trade board

Although the Boston Bruins aren't desperate to trade winger Pavel Zacha, he, too, is causing buzz on the wire. He's committed through 2026-27, so he'd only be traded for a top return. David Pagnotta heard the Canucks are linked once again.

With Pius Suter off, and with a thin market at center, and J.T. Miller going to the Rangers, Zacha could be a middle-six asset of value.

Canucks targeting McCann or Zacha means that there is a clear priority to strengthen the middle position before the start of the season.

This article first appeared on Hockey Latest and was syndicated with permission.

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