NHL Rumors: Vancouver Canucks, Buyers and Sellers

The Vancouver Canucks are looking for at least a third for Teddy Blueger

Thomas Drance of The Athletic: The Vancouver Canucks had active trade talks leading up to the Olympic trade freeze, but nobody paid the price the Canucks wanted for Evander Kane, Teddy Blueger and David Kämpf.

For most of January, the sellers basically just consisted of the Canucks, Calgary Flames and New York Rangers, but slumps by the Ottawa Senators, Toronto Maple Leafs, Philadelphia Flyers and Washington Capitals could have them changing direction.

Canucks center Teddy Blueger should generate some trade interest, especially if he has a good Olympics with Team Latvia, where he could serve as their No. 1 center. Have been hearing the Canucks are looking for at least a third-round pick, and by the deadline, it could be higher.

Four Buyers and three sellers

Harman Dayal of The Athletic: Once the Olympic trade freeze is lifted, there will be 12 days before the March 6th deadline. A look at four teams that are buyers and three that are sellers, which may have a little more urgency than others.

The Buyers

Carolina Hurricanes – Need a second-line center. The New York Ranger and former Hurricane Vincent Trocheck could be an option.

Dallas Stars – The Central is really tough. The future of Tyler Seguin isn’t known yet, so they don’t know if they’ll have full access to his $9.85 million. Could use a middle-six forward and a top-four, right-handed defenseman. Don’t have a 2026 or 2028 first-round pick.

Minnesota Wild – A top-six center is their main need. Trade chips include a 2027 first-round pick, forward Charlie Stramel, and defenseman David Jiricek. Including goaltender Jesper Wallstedt would have to be for a true No. 1 center and not someone like Vincent Trocheck.

Edmonton Oilers – The Oilers could use a top-nine forward. If they land a center, they can use Ryan Nugent-Hopkins on the wing. If they get a winger, they can make RNH their 3C. May need to move Andrew Mangiapane‘s contract to bring in someone.

The sellers

St. Louis Blues – Have players with term who will interest teams if the Blues want to go big – Robert Thomas, Brayden Schenn, Justin Faulk, Jordan Kyrou and Jordan Binnington. Don’t expect a fire sale, but they could move one or two.

Toronto Maple Leafs – Bobby McMann could bring back two second-round picks (Kiefer Sherwood comp), and Scott Laughton has some value. Defensemen Brandon Carlo (one-year) and Oliver Ekman-Larsson (two years) have good value. Center Nic Roy is another option.

Calgary Flames – The demand for top-six centers is high, and the interest in Nazem Kadri should be high. They shouldn’t wait to move him, given that he’s 35 years old. Would think they’re looking for a first-round pick plus. Forward Blake Coleman (one year left at $4.9 million) and defenseman Zach Whitecloud (two years left at $2.75 million) are two other trade candidates.