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Fresh off a 109-point performance last season ranking as the third-best in franchise history, the Vancouver Canucks entered this season intending to build on that promising effort. Instead, they entered December jockeying for one of the final playoff spots in the Western Conference.
The ongoing absence of starting goaltender Thatcher Demko, a slow start for center Elias Pettersson, Brock Boeser’s concussion in November and J.T. Miller’s leave of absence since Nov. 19 contributed to the Canucks’ less-than-stellar start. It’s also made them the subject of media trade rumors.
Reports out of Vancouver in early November tied the Canucks to Buffalo Sabres defenseman Bowen Byram. Mike Harrington of The Buffalo News dismissed that talk as “absurd chatter,” pointing out that Byram has been promoted to the Sabres’ top defense pairing alongside captain Rasmus Dahlin.
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The Hockey News’ Max Miller last week cited a report by The Athletic’s Arthur Staple claiming the New York Rangers looked into the possibility of bringing Miller back to the Big Apple where he began his NHL career. Staple claimed Rangers GM Chris Drury pursued Miller before the 2022 NHL trade deadline, noting the center subsequently signed a seven-year extension worth $8 million annually.
Miller is a key component of the Canucks’ roster core, which is why they signed him to that extension. Assuming he’d waive his no-movement clause, his cap hit is too expensive for the Rangers to acquire without first shedding some salary.
Daily Hive’s Noah Strang cited CHEK-TV’s Rick Dhaliwal discussing a rumor claiming the Canucks contacted the Boston Bruins about bringing back Nikita Zadorov. The rugged 29-year-old defenseman was acquired by the Canucks from the Calgary Flames last November and signed a six-year contract worth $5 million annually with the Bruins in July.
Dhaliwal said he’d heard the conversation was brief and wasn’t major. Zadorov has a full no-movement clause this season and would have to agree to such a move. Besides, the Canucks had their chance to keep him but let him walk because he sought too many years and too much salary.
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Meanwhile, ESPN’s Kevin Weekes reported the Washington Capitals, Pittsburgh Penguins and Columbus Blue Jackets were among the teams interested in Nils Hoglander. The 23-year-old Canucks left winger signed a three-year contract extension this summer with an average annual value of $3 million.
Hoglander netted a career-high 24 goals last season but has two goals and five points in 23 games this season. Perhaps the Canucks will use him as a trade chip to add a defenseman later this season.
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