Vancouver Canucks Reportedly Still Shopping Fan-Favorite Forwards in Wake of Free Agency Moves
In the wake of NHL free agency, the Vancouver Canucks find themselves at a pivotal moment in shaping their roster for the 2025-26 season. While the franchise has made some significant moves, including the major re-signing of one of their star players, fresh reports suggest that two popular forwards could be on the trade block—signaling that management isn’t quite finished retooling the team just yet.
According to renowned NHL insider Elliotte Friedman, the Canucks are actively exploring trade options for Teddy Blueger and Dakota Joshua, two players widely regarded as hard-working and well-liked by fans and teammates alike. This latest development comes as the Canucks aim to optimize their salary cap structure and bolster other areas of need, even if it means sacrificing depth in their forward ranks.
Boeser Re-Signs in Major Deal
Before diving into potential departures, it’s important to note that the Canucks made a massive splash early in free agency by locking down veteran winger Brock Boeser to a seven-year contract worth $50.75 million—translating to an average annual value (AAV) of $7.25 million. Boeser, who scored 40 goals last season, is one of the team’s most potent offensive weapons and keeping him in Vancouver long-term was seen as a major win for general manager Patrik Allvin.
The deal was announced with considerable excitement, with multiple analysts and insiders praising Vancouver’s commitment to retaining a key piece of their offensive core. Boeser’s signing not only demonstrated loyalty to one of their premier talents but also sent a strong message that the Canucks intend to remain competitive in the Western Conference.
Pius Suter Departure Sparks Trade Speculation
However, the Boeser extension came with financial consequences. In the same week, the Canucks were unable to re-sign Pius Suter, who had emerged as a breakout contributor last season. Instead, Suter opted to ink a two-year, $8 million contract with the St. Louis Blues, leaving a notable hole in Vancouver’s forward group.
Insiders later revealed that the Canucks made a late push to retain Suter, even contacting his agent to signal their continued interest. But due to salary cap constraints, it was reported that Vancouver needed to move one of either Dakota Joshua or Teddy Blueger to make the numbers work.
“They called [Suter’s] agent yesterday, and they told him they are still interested, the door is still open,” one report noted. “They’ve gotta move either Joshua or Blueger to get back in on Suter.”
That move never materialized, and by the time the Canucks had sorted through their options, Suter had already made his decision. While fans were disappointed to see the Swiss center walk away, many assumed trade talks involving Joshua and Blueger would fade now that the immediate need had passed.
Elliotte Friedman Doubles Down: Canucks Still Exploring Trade Market
Contrary to expectations, Friedman reported on Monday that the Canucks are still very much exploring the idea of trading Dakota Joshua and Teddy Blueger. During a radio appearance, Friedman emphasized that Vancouver remains active in reshaping the roster and hasn’t ruled out making further moves, even after the free agency frenzy has died down.
“I don’t think the Canucks are done tinkering with this yet,” Friedman said, adding weight to earlier whispers that Allvin and his staff are looking at more than just salary cap relief—they may be eyeing a broader shift in team composition.
This revelation has left many in Vancouver puzzled, especially given the team’s current depth chart. Both Blueger and Joshua have proven to be reliable bottom-six forwards, known for their physical presence, defensive reliability, and locker room chemistry. With Suter now gone and no immediate replacement brought in, trading away two more regular contributors could leave the Canucks thin at forward—a concerning prospect for a team with playoff ambitions.
A Risky Game of Roster Tinkering?
It’s not unusual for teams to make tough decisions in the offseason, particularly in the modern NHL where the salary cap limits how much talent a team can realistically retain. Still, the idea of offloading two players who were part of the team’s fabric last season is one that comes with risk.
Teddy Blueger, a 29-year-old center, brought a strong defensive edge to the lineup. He was often relied upon in penalty-killing situations and brought championship experience from his time with the Pittsburgh Penguins and Vegas Golden Knights. His faceoff wins and veteran presence helped stabilize the team’s bottom six.
Dakota Joshua, on the other hand, provided a physical element that few others on the roster could match. His combination of size, grit, and improved offensive output made him a fan favorite and a regular feature in head coach Rick Tocchet’s rotation. The idea of moving on from both players simultaneously, especially without firm replacements lined up, could invite criticism if the team struggles out of the gate next season.
Canucks’ Cap Crunch: The Bigger Picture
All of this maneuvering stems from Vancouver’s ongoing salary cap challenges. Between Boeser’s new contract, the looming extension talks for defenseman Filip Hronek, and ongoing negotiations with other young pieces, the Canucks are under pressure to balance their books while maintaining on-ice competitiveness.
Patrik Allvin has made it clear in recent interviews that the team is aiming for long-term success, not just short-term gains. That may mean tough decisions have to be made—even when it comes to players the fans love.
It’s also worth noting that this isn’t the first time Allvin has moved pieces fans were emotionally attached to. Last year, similar skepticism surrounded the trade of Conor Garland, which later freed up cap space used to acquire key contributors. The front office may be hoping for a similar long-term payoff if they part ways with Joshua and Blueger.
What Comes Next?
Only a week has passed since the start of free agency, and there’s still a long summer ahead. It’s possible Vancouver uses the trade market to bring in a high-impact forward or strengthen its defense corps. Alternatively, they could package one of the forwards in a multi-player deal that aligns with their long-term vision.
In the short term, however, it seems clear that the roster shuffle isn’t over. Elliotte Friedman’s reporting indicates that Joshua and Blueger remain in limbo, and fans should prepare for the possibility that at least one of them could be donning a new jersey before training camp opens.
Whether or not the moves pan out, Canucks supporters are in for an intriguing offseason—one where loyalty, cap space, and ambition all hang in the balance.
