Unsettling Offseason Developments in Vancouver: Canucks Stars Pettersson and Demko Appear on Trade Radar
The Vancouver Canucks could be gearing up for a turbulent summer after two of the team’s biggest names—Elias Pettersson and Thatcher Demko—have found themselves on an updated NHL trade watch list. This development hints at significant changes ahead as General Manager Patrik Allvin and President Jim Rutherford attempt to retool the roster following an up-and-down season.
Both executives are expected to be busy addressing a range of issues within the current lineup, most notably filling the second-line center spot vacated after J.T. Miller was traded to the New York Rangers earlier this year. That key position, among other areas of need, might require bold moves—and potentially the sacrifice of some of the team’s marquee players.
The Canucks’ top goalie, Thatcher Demko, and star forward Elias Pettersson were included in Frank Seravalli’s updated NHL offseason trade bait list published by Daily Faceoff. Demko appeared at No. 18, while Pettersson landed at No. 20—both high-profile names that signal Vancouver’s willingness to at least entertain offers for core pieces.
A Rocky Year for Pettersson Ends with More Uncertainty
Pettersson’s inclusion on the list stems largely from a difficult season that was marred by both physical setbacks and locker room drama. Reports emerged during the campaign of friction between Pettersson and then-teammate J.T. Miller. The tension eventually became public, prompting the front office to explore trades involving both players. Miller’s move to the Rangers went through in late January, while Pettersson remained with the club—though not without question marks surrounding his future.
The Swedish center, originally from Sundsvall, managed to regain his form during March, collecting ten points in eleven games before a season-ending injury cut his comeback short. Unfortunately, the momentum he was building fizzled, and with his no-movement clause set to take effect on July 1, the pressure is mounting on management to decide his fate quickly.
Allvin added fuel to the fire at the end of the season when he commented that he’d be “stupid” not to listen to trade offers for Pettersson before that clause takes effect. Seravalli echoed the sentiment, noting that the 2025 offseason could be pivotal for Pettersson—not just in terms of staying in Vancouver, but also in proving he can return to peak form following last year’s knee issues.
“This is a massive summer for Pettersson,” Seravalli wrote. “Whether he’s wearing a Canucks jersey in October or not, he finally has a full summer to train at 100% health. But the team has made no secret about its disappointment with how he arrived to camp last year. So before July 1, will Vancouver look to test the market? Will they move on? Or do they gamble on his bounce-back potential?”
Demko’s Situation: Contract Talks, Injuries, and Goaltending Depth Stir Speculation
Meanwhile, Thatcher Demko presents a different kind of dilemma. While he’s still widely regarded as one of the NHL’s top goaltenders, Demko has struggled with injuries over the past year. Those durability concerns—paired with organizational depth at the goalie position—have stirred rumors about whether the Canucks might also consider trading their star netminder.
Demko becomes eligible to sign a contract extension on July 1, but there’s doubt over whether that will happen. The Canucks have already committed long-term to backup Kevin Lankinen, who recently signed a five-year extension. Furthermore, young goaltender Arturs Silovs has been making headlines with an outstanding run in the AHL’s Calder Cup Playoffs, including four shutouts—a performance that suggests he’s NHL-ready.
These factors raise the possibility of Vancouver cashing in on Demko’s value, particularly if management believes the organization can move forward with Lankinen and Silovs as the primary goaltending tandem.
“Demko is a face of the franchise,” Seravalli observed, “and he played admirably through injury, even delivering strong performances on some nights. But with Lankinen extended and Silovs rising quickly, the Canucks may wonder whether now is the time to transition. Could a reunion with former coach Rick Tocchet in Philadelphia be a fit?”
The link to Philadelphia is particularly intriguing. Demko is known to have a close relationship with Tocchet, now head coach of the Flyers, and such a move could benefit both parties if Vancouver is looking to offload salary or acquire assets in return.
Who’s More Likely to Be Moved?
If the Canucks ultimately decide to part ways with one of their stars, insiders suggest Demko is the more likely candidate. While the club does have strong options in net, its depth down the middle is lacking—especially with Pius Suter set to hit free agency on July 1. Trading Pettersson would leave an even bigger hole at center, a position already exposed by Miller’s departure.
Still, everything remains fluid. With the NHL Entry Draft just weeks away and the opening of free agency not far behind, the Canucks have a limited window to evaluate trade possibilities, negotiate contracts, and reshape the team for 2025-26. Whether Pettersson and Demko remain in blue and green or are moved in blockbuster deals will depend on how bold Allvin and Rutherford are willing to be.
Fans in Vancouver are already bracing for what could be a defining offseason for the franchise—one where household names may be on the move, and the team’s identity could be reshaped for years to come.
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