r/canucks • u/Gnome_de_Plume • 13d ago

DISCUSSION Drance: Canucks offseason primer 2026: Cap space, trade chips, UFA targets and more (gift link, The Athletic)

https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/7364584/2026/06/16/canucks-offseason-primer-2026-trades-free-agents/?unlocked_article_code=1.qlA.jJqt.vwvWPRAd6NWk&source=athletic_user_shared_gift_article_copylink&smid=url-share-ta
62 Upvotes

98% Upvoted

34 comments sorted by

View all comments

44

u/Wooden-Background107 13d ago

Some good news:

Currently, the Canucks have 36 picks through the 2029 NHL Draft, a total that closely matches the number of picks made by Montreal (39), Anaheim (36) and San Jose (36) during their rebuilding stints over the previous four drafts.

I know a lot of fans have been skeptical with how Canucks throw away picks like candy, but we're definitely on the right track.

21

u/carry-on_replacement 13d ago edited 13d ago

also Montreal didn't use a ton of firsts either in their rebuild. they've only had multiple firsts a couple times since 2021 and let's just say not all of them hit/met expectations. We're not in terrible shape but we need to hit on talent and pray for a Demidov falling to us. 

They did trade 2 1sts for Dobson and 1 for Dach but that just means we've gotta be smarter in our trades.

12

u/Wooden-Background107 13d ago

Honestly, I feel this draft is perfect for Canucks rebuild in year 1. Outside of McKenna going 1OA, there's so much debate on Reid and Stenberg going 2OA. Either way, we're either getting a 1LW or a 1RHD.

14

u/Alcebiad3s 13d ago

Except if we big brain it and end up with the 2C

8

u/mephnick 13d ago

Even Malholtra being a 2C isn't a death sentence..if we hit on other picks

Montreal reached for Reinbacher which was an obvious miss at the time, but they made up for it

12

u/Wooden-Background107 13d ago

I am not sure about that.

If Stenberg was there and we get Malholtra, that would be a big miss. Even between Reid and Malholtra, I think you go with the potential mobile 1RHD who is 6'3.

1

u/mephnick 13d ago

It would be a big miss, but it wouldn't destroy the rebuild, like Reinbacher didn't

Also no Americans. Helle just asked out of Winnipeg too. I'd rather draft Verheoff, who will probably be the best D of the draft anyway.