With the Vancouver Canucks looking to build on last season’s playoff success, but rebound from a terrible 2024-25 season, GM Patrik Allvin may be tempted to move a first-round pick to address the team’s need for a second-line center.
While free agency is one route (one that would save the Canucks an important asset), the trade market offers more intriguing — and possibly more impactful — options.
Dawson Mercer, New Jersey Devils
Dawson Mercer is an interesting player because the Devils don’t exactly know what he is. Drafted as a center but used primarily on the wing, he’s known for his penalty-killing prowess and defensive reliability. His status as that kind of player might not make him worth a first-round pick (honestly, it doesn’t), but he could be part of a much bigger trade that includes a first, Mercer, Quinn Hughes and someone like Simon Nemec and other Devils’ assets.
Devils GM Tom Fitzgerald recently called his team a group of underachievers, saying that the “same group won’t be coming back next season.”
Mercer is a valuable player, especially for a team like Vancouver looking to bolster its forward depth. His $4-million cap hit may be slightly high based on current output, but if the Canucks believe he can play a consistent role, the two sides might be open to talking about trade.
This has the feel of a much bigger trade that includes multiple pieces, if it were to happen.
Trevor Zegras, Anaheim Ducks
Trevor Zegras has long been rumored to be on the trade block, and with veteran coach Joel Quenneville likely having a say in personnel decisions, Zegras’ future in Anaheim looks increasingly uncertain.
The 24-year-old is a high-ceiling, dynamic playmaker who’s flashed elite-level skill. However, he’s coming off a disappointing, injury-limited season where he scored 32 points in 57 games. He carries a significant cap hit ($5.75 million), but it’s not so high that, as the salary cap rises, and should he find his game, that he’d be anything shy of great value.
With the Ducks possessing a surplus of young centers and a likely desire to build their core around pieces that are in it for the long haul, Zegras could be moved for the right return. Anaheim may need to retain salary or sweeten the deal, but Zegras would be a high-reward gamble.
Mika Zibanejad, New York Rangers
If the Canucks targeted Mika Zibanejad out of New York, it’s because they learned a few things. First, he’s open to a move, but keep in mind, he’s got a no-move clause and leverage to control his future. Second, after a disappointing season, the Rangers are looking to shake up their leadership group. Third, the Canucks believe Zibanejad’s down season was an anomaly.
This would be arguably the boldest swing. Zibanejad’s name has surfaced amid speculation the Rangers are looking to reset after missing the playoffs, and with a new head coach in Mike Sullivan, additional changes may be coming.
The 32-year-old forward has expressed a desire to stay in New York, but he is aware he needs to take responsibility for his declining numbers (62 points in 2024-25, his lowest full-season total since 2017-18). Perhaps the emotional toll from trade rumors and seeing those he was close to in the rumor mill, or who had already moved, might change his stance on staying. Perhaps a fresh start could benefit both parties.
The Canucks would have the cap space seeing as Brock Boeser is not returning. This is a long shot given the dynamics at play, but not impossible if the Rangers decide to retool more aggressively.
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