NHL Trade Deadline Grades: Vancouver Canucks

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Well, that was a big buildup for a giant pot of nothing.

Canucks’ forward Brock Boeser | Wilfredo Lee /AP

The Vancouver Canucks approached the trade deadline with the intent to both sell expiring contracts and buy younger players with term. In the end, they did neither. The team moved defenseman Carson Soucy to the Rangers for a third-round pick but failed to make any other significant moves, despite reportedly shopping Brock Boeser. General manager Patrik Allvin cited a lack of market interest, but the inaction left many questioning Vancouver’s approach.

What the Canucks Gave Up:

  • Carson Soucy (D) – A third-pairing defenseman who was no longer in the team’s long-term plans.

What the Canucks Acquired:

  • 2025 Third-Round Pick – Acquired from the Rangers in the Soucy trade.

The Verdict:

Vancouver’s deadline was underwhelming, to say the least. Boeser, who was supposedly a prime trade chip, remained with the team after no one met the Canucks’ asking price of a first-round pick. While keeping him isn’t necessarily a bad move, Allvin’s public comments about the lack of offers raised eyebrows and likely didn’t sit well with the player.

The decision to move Soucy but keep other pending free agents like Pius Suter and Derek Forbort was puzzling. If Vancouver was serious about making a playoff push, holding onto Boeser and Suter makes sense, but their deadline activity—or lack thereof—suggests indecision rather than a clear strategy.

The biggest issue wasn’t just the minimal moves but the messaging behind them. Allvin’s claim that there was “not a whole lot of market return” on Vancouver’s players was surprising, considering how much of a seller’s market this deadline turned out to be. Other teams offloaded assets at high prices, yet the Canucks were unable to capitalize.

The Canucks’ current position—just outside the playoff picture—complicates things further. If they miss the playoffs, this deadline will be viewed as a massive failure, with no meaningful reinforcements or future assets gained. If they sneak in, the lack of moves still suggests a team content with mediocrity rather than one aggressively building toward contention.

Ultimately, Vancouver’s deadline was defined by hesitation. Whether the goal was to improve for the short term or build for the future, they failed to take decisive action in either direction and rather than answer questions, only created more.

Final Grade: D- – A lack of urgency and questionable messaging make this one of the worst deadlines in the league.

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