The Vancouver Canucks’ season has gone off the rails. Sitting last in the league with an 18-31-6 record, Vancouver is clearly heading toward a rebuild, and more roster changes appear to be on the way.
After already pulling off a pair of major trades, the Canucks are now willing to adjust their approach again. This time, following a disappointing return on a former Edmonton Oilers forward.
Canucks To Change Strategy After Gamble on Ex-Edmonton Forward Backfires
Vancouver has already made major moves. Back on December 12, the Canucks sent Quinn Hughes to the Minnesota Wild in a blockbuster deal that brought back Marco Rossi, Liam Öhgren, Zeev Buium, and a 2026 first-round pick. Then on January 19, they dealt Kiefer Sherwood to the San Jose Sharks for two second-round picks (in 2026 and 2027) and AHL defenseman Cole Clayton.
Now, attention has turned to Evander Kane.
Vancouver acquired Kane from the Oilers in the offseason. They hoped his physical and scoring touch would help stabilize the lineup. But that plan hasn’t worked out. Through 54 games, Kane has posted just 25 points, carries a minus-17 rating, and is averaging under 17 minutes of ice time per night.
With the Canucks sliding further down the standings, Kane’s agent, Dan Milstein, has reportedly been given permission to help facilitate a trade.
On NHL Now, insider Elliotte Friedman suggested the Canucks are prepared to lower their asking price and even retain salary to move Kane. “I think the Canucks are hoping for a 3rd round pick or something like that,” Friedman said. “They’re willing to retain if it allows them to get a bit more.”
Kane is in the final year of his four-year, $20.5 million contract. He has a $5.125 million cap hit. Under the CBA, Vancouver can retain up to 50 percent of that number. Meaning they could hold back roughly $2.56 million to make a deal work. Kane also holds a 16-team no-trade list, which limits Vancouver’s options.
Despite his struggles in Vancouver, Kane still brings value as a physical winger who can chip in secondary scoring, could appeal to playoff contenders looking for depth and edge.
The Stars and Avalanche have emerged as potential suitors, with Dallas holding about $3.2 million in cap space and Colorado roughly $6 million, making both viable options if Vancouver retains salary.
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For now, the Canucks will shift their focus back to the ice as they prepare to face Utah on Monday, while trade speculation around Kane continues to build.
