Trade Targets the Vancouver Canucks Should Consider

The 2024-25 NHL season is in full swing, and trade discussions are already heating up. With just over six weeks gone, players like Olli Maatta, Timothy Liljegren, and Daniel Sprong have found new teams, but there are still several names on the market. Daily Faceoff’s Frank Seravalli has compiled a list of 15 players likely to be traded this season, and the Canucks, rumored to be active in the market, could benefit from exploring some of these options. Here’s a closer look at which of these players might fit Vancouver’s roster needs.

Defensive Options: Reinforcing the Blue Line

The Canucks’ defensive depth remains a key area for improvement, and several names on Seravalli’s list could help.

• Rasmus Ristolainen of the Philadelphia Flyers offers size and experience on the right side of defense. Standing 6’4” and weighing 208 lbs, the 30-year-old has struggled with consistency since leaving the Buffalo Sabres, where he was once a 40-point player. While his offensive numbers and defensive reliability have declined, Ristolainen has stayed healthy this season and could fill a bottom-pairing role, providing relief for the likes of Carson Soucy and Tyler Myers.
• David Jiricek, a 20-year-old defenseman with the Columbus Blue Jackets, represents a different kind of opportunity. A former sixth overall draft pick, Jiricek has yet to find a consistent role in Columbus and has been shuttled between the NHL and AHL. Despite limited NHL success, his performances in the AHL suggest untapped potential. While acquiring Jiricek would likely be costly, his pedigree and potential to grow alongside Vancouver’s young core make him an intriguing option.
• Mike Matheson of the Montreal Canadiens is another name worth noting. The puck-moving defenseman is coming off a career-high 62-point season and plays significant minutes for the Canadiens, often in a top-pairing role. While Montreal might hesitate to trade Matheson due to his importance to their rebuilding effort, his ability to contribute offensively and handle tough defensive assignments would make him a valuable addition to the Canucks’ blue line.

Mario Ferraro: A Reliable Shutdown Option

San Jose Sharks defenseman Mario Ferraro is another candidate who could strengthen Vancouver’s defense. While not a flashy player, Ferraro is known for his gritty, no-nonsense style of play. With extensive experience in penalty-killing and shutdown roles, he could bring stability to the Canucks’ defensive corps. At 26 years old and under contract for one more year at $3.25 million, Ferraro offers affordability and term, making him an attractive target. Though the Sharks may be reluctant to part with him, their ongoing rebuild could push them to consider offers.

Forward Depth: Potential Additions

While the Canucks’ recent moves have improved their forward depth, they could still explore adding key contributors for a playoff push.

• Yanni Gourde, a veteran center from the Seattle Kraken, could solidify the Canucks’ bottom-six lineup. Known for his speed and tenacity, Gourde has been a reliable two-way player throughout his career, winning two Stanley Cups with the Tampa Bay Lightning. Though his offensive numbers have dipped this season, his playoff experience and defensive acumen would provide valuable depth.
• Frank Vatrano of the Anaheim Ducks offers a scoring touch. Coming off a career-best 37-goal, 60-point season, Vatrano has proven he can be a difference-maker. His chemistry with Canucks’ star Elias Pettersson, displayed during last year’s All-Star Game, adds another layer of appeal. If Vancouver seeks a winger to enhance their offensive firepower, Vatrano could be an excellent option.

Final Thoughts

The Canucks are in a position to contend this season, but their success may hinge on shoring up defensive gaps and reinforcing their forward group. Players like Ristolainen, Jiricek, and Matheson could address defensive concerns, while Gourde and Vatrano offer intriguing possibilities up front. As trade rumors continue to swirl, Vancouver’s management will need to carefully evaluate which moves could push them closer to a deep playoff run.