Vancouver Canucks’ Missed Opportunity: Inside the Collapse of a Near Blockbuster Deal for Josh Norris
The 2024–25 NHL season proved to be one of the more turbulent campaigns in recent memory for the Vancouver Canucks. A combination of setbacks—from a string of unfortunate injuries to mounting internal drama and the bitter disappointment of missing out on the Stanley Cup Playoffs—defined a year that fans and players alike would rather forget. In the midst of all this, one moment stands out as a missed opportunity that could have reshaped the team’s direction: a near-finalized trade involving Ottawa Senators center Josh Norris.
In the lead-up to the 2025 NHL trade deadline, the Canucks were still in the thick of the playoff race. It was a pivotal moment for the franchise—a chance for the front office to demonstrate commitment to their roster by bringing in talent that could push them over the edge. But instead of bolstering their lineup, general manager Patrik Allvin and president of hockey operations Jim Rutherford came away empty-handed, failing to execute a single impactful move. This lack of action drew sharp criticism and became symbolic of a broader failure to seize a crucial opportunity.
Now, new revelations have emerged that paint a fuller picture of just how close the Canucks came to making a significant addition. According to NHL insider Darren Dreger, Vancouver was on the verge of acquiring Josh Norris—a skilled forward and a close personal friend of Canucks captain Quinn Hughes. Their relationship, combined with Norris’s talent and head coach Rick Tocchet’s keen interest in him, had made the deal a high priority within the organization.
Speaking during an appearance on the Sekeres and Price show, Dreger offered rare insight into the negotiations. “The Canucks were pretty close on Josh Norris with the Ottawa Senators at the time,” he explained. “It would have been Filip Chytil and a draft pick that Ottawa would have received in return. I don’t know why that came unglued.”
This proposed trade package—including Chytil, who was acquired by Vancouver earlier in the year, and an additional draft selection—represented a fair price for a player of Norris’s caliber. The deal appeared to satisfy the needs of both clubs: Ottawa would get a promising young forward and future asset, while Vancouver would land a potential star who not only had on-ice potential but also had the benefit of pre-existing chemistry with their captain.
Rick Tocchet, known for his preference for gritty, skilled players who fit into his aggressive system, reportedly viewed Norris as a perfect fit. With his two-way capabilities, offensive upside, and familiarity with high-pressure situations, Norris seemed tailor-made for Tocchet’s game plan.
However, despite getting close to completion, the trade talks eventually fell apart for reasons that remain unclear. Whether it was disagreements over the precise value of the assets involved or a shift in priorities from one of the organizations, the end result was the same: the Canucks were left without a much-needed addition, and the Senators moved on.
In the days following the collapse of the Vancouver-Ottawa negotiations, the Senators finalized a different deal, sending Norris to the Buffalo Sabres in exchange for Dylan Cozens. That trade closed the door permanently on any hope the Canucks had of bringing in the American forward.
For Vancouver, this failed transaction now represents a glaring “what-if” in a season already riddled with disappointment. Josh Norris, despite a somewhat injury-plagued start to his career, has consistently shown that he possesses the tools to be a top-tier NHL center. Since debuting with the Senators, he has never played more than 66 games in a single season, a fact that has hindered his ability to reach full potential. Still, when healthy, Norris has proven to be an elite-level talent with scoring touch, playmaking abilities, and a high hockey IQ.
Observers across the league believe that if Norris can manage to stay on the ice consistently, he has all the qualities to develop into a genuine superstar. His move to Buffalo offers a fresh start and the opportunity to thrive in a different environment—but Canucks fans are left to wonder what could have been.
For Quinn Hughes, the failed trade likely hits especially hard. Not only did he lose out on the chance to play alongside one of his closest friends, but he also watched his team stand still during one of the most critical points of the season. That missed moment may linger in the minds of the players, the front office, and fans for some time.
Looking back, the Canucks’ lack of activity at the deadline was not just a strategic error; it symbolized a disconnect between management’s actions and the team’s needs. Bringing in Norris would have signaled a clear intent to contend and might have given the locker room the boost it desperately needed.
Instead, the organization’s inaction was met with frustration and criticism, and now, with new information out in the open, it’s even more apparent just how close they came to making a franchise-altering decision. The 2024–25 season may be remembered for its missteps, and this failed trade for Josh Norris is sure to be one of the defining narratives.
As the offseason progresses, Vancouver’s front office will be under pressure to regain trust and show they can make bold, effective moves when it counts. Otherwise, missed chances like this one could become a recurring theme rather than an isolated misfortune.
