One Key Question Facing Every Pacific Division NHL Team Heading Into 2026-27

Vancouver Canucks

Key Question: How many veteran stars will new Canucks GM Ryan Johnson trade this season?

When Johnson was hired this summer, he had the mandate of a full rebuild. Now that he’s settled in, he’s traded veterans Marcus Pettersson and Nils Hoglander. But that will likely be just the tip of the iceberg in terms of changes coming to the Canucks’ roster.

The question now is what Vancouver players will be headed out the door this year. Be it star center Elias Pettersson, goaltender Thatcher Demko or wingers Jake DeBrusk and Brock Boeser, there’s no shortage of high-end talent the Canucks should be moving on from.

But Johnson needs a big return for each of those four players, and if he doesn’t get it, he may hang on to them until next summer.

As part of a short series on TheHockeyNews.com, we're identifying a key question for each NHL team heading into the 2026-27 season. In this file, we're focused on the Pacific Division teams.

thehockeynews.comOne Key Question Facing Every Pacific Division NHL Team Heading Into 2026-27As part of a short series on TheHockeyNews.com, we're identifying a key question for each NHL team heading into the 2026-27 season. In this file, we're focused on the Pacific Division teams.

Drop a comment and share your perspective.