Vancouver Canucks: A Year of Significant Trades
May 16, 2024; Vancouver, British Columbia, CAN; Vancouver Canucks forward J.T. Miller (9) shoots against the Edmonton Oilers during the third period in game five of the second round of the 2024 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Rogers Arena. Mandatory Credit: Bob Frid-Imagn Images
The Vancouver Canucks have become notorious for making big trades ahead of the deadline in recent years. Since President of Hockey Operations Jim Rutherford and General Manager Patrik Allvin joined the management crew, the Canucks have consistently made significant moves towards the end of January. With the Canucks’ self-imposed trade deadline now over, let’s take a comprehensive look at every trade the team has made since last year’s actual trade deadline.
The Smaller Trade: Mark Friedman to Nashville Predators
February 7, 2025, saw the Canucks make a quiet but strategic move by sending defenseman Mark Friedman to the Nashville Predators in exchange for future considerations. This was the second time this season that Vancouver traded a player for future considerations. It reflects the team’s approach to quickly move on from players who don’t fit into their long-term plans. This trade, while not headline-grabbing, is indicative of the Canucks’ willingness to make adjustments even for minor gains.
Major Moves: The Pettersson and O’Connor Trade
On January 31, 2025, the Canucks made their second significant trade of the day, acquiring defenseman Marcus Pettersson and forward Drew O’Connor from the Pittsburgh Penguins. This move significantly bolstered Vancouver’s roster, with Pettersson contributing effectively on the blueline. The conditional first-round pick the Canucks gave up could prove to be a significant asset, especially if the New York Rangers end up in the draft lottery, making the pick unprotected in 2026. This year marks the eligibility of star prospect Gavin McKenna for the NHL Draft, adding a layer of strategic importance to this trade.
The Biggest Splash: J.T. Miller to New York Rangers
Also on January 31, 2025, the Canucks made their most significant and potentially most impactful trade by sending J.T. Miller, a key player and fan favorite, to the New York Rangers. In return, Vancouver received defenseman Erik Brännström, defenseman Jackson Dorrington, and a conditional first-round pick. This trade came after a tumultuous period of trade rumors, with some suggesting Miller would return to the Rangers, the team that drafted him in 2011. Miller’s departure marks a significant chapter in Canucks history, as he ranks 11th in team history with 437 points and has a points-per-game average of 1.08, second only to Pavel Bure’s 1.12. This trade, while painful for fans, was a bold move to reshape the team’s future.
Early Season Adjustments: Daniel Sprong to Seattle Kraken
Before the Miller trade, the Canucks made some smaller-scale moves to fine-tune their roster. On November 8, 2024, they traded forward Daniel Sprong to the Seattle Kraken in exchange for future considerations. Sprong, a free-agent signing, had a disappointing start to the season, and this trade allowed the Canucks to clear cap space and make room for other acquisitions.
Pre-Season Move: Tucker Poolman to Colorado Avalanche
Just three days before the 2024-2025 season began, the Canucks moved Tucker Poolman and part of his salary to the Colorado Avalanche, acquiring Erik Brännström in return. Brännström, known for his puck-moving skills, provided a different style of play, though he didn’t see much ice time under head coach Rick Tocchet. This move was a calculated risk to add a versatile defender, even if it didn’t fully materialize as expected.
Offseason Shift: Vasily Podkolzin to Edmonton Oilers
During the 2024 offseason, on August 18, 2024, the Canucks traded Vasily Podkolzin to the Edmonton Oilers. Podkolzin, the 10th overall selection in the 2019 NHL Draft, was once a highly touted prospect but never quite met the team’s expectations. Since joining the Oilers, he has filled a depth role, contributing with six goals and 14 assists in 57 games. This trade was a part of the Canucks’ broader strategy to streamline their roster and focus on prospects that align more closely with their future vision.
Cap Management and Prospect Development
On June 26, 2024, the Canucks traded forwards Ilya Mikheyev and Sam Lafferty to the Chicago Blackhawks, primarily seen as a cap dump for Mikheyev. After a disappointing 2023-2024 season, the team felt it necessary to move on. Lafferty ultimately signed with the Buffalo Sabres in free agency. This trade, while financially motivated, also allowed the Canucks to focus on developing younger players and maintaining cap flexibility for future seasons.
In summary, the Canucks have been active and strategic in their trades over the past year, making significant moves to reshape their roster and prepare for the future. While some trades, like the departure of J.T. Miller, were emotionally tough for fans, they reflect a commitment to building a sustainable and competitive team.
