Canucks Have 2 Trade Partners for Another 1st Round Pick in 2026 – Hockey Writers – Editor’s Pick

The Vancouver Canucks are in the process of rebuilding their organization. It started with the hiring of Daniel and Henrik Sedin as president, then Ryan Johnson as general manager (GM). From there, they hired Daren Hermiston as director of player personnel and player development and most recently, Richard Seeley as assistant GM and GM of the Abbotsford Canucks. As for the coaches, they promoted Manny Malhotra from his gig in Abbotsford to the big seat in Vancouver.

The next step is to rebuild the list and, of course, lay the foundation for a successful future. As Johnson and the Sedins said repeatedly in their opening press conference, the future will be built on structure and tenacity. A big part of that process will involve getting as much money in the draft as possible, ideally in the first and second rounds, which have historically developed into NHL players.

Right now, the Canucks have four of those picks (two in the first round and two in the second round) that will hopefully form the core of the next core of players. But, they could add even more, considering the amount of veteran talent they have that still holds the premier value across the league. Let’s take a look at two potential trade partners that could land Johnson a first-third round pick in the 2026 NHL Draft.

Boston Bruins

The Boston Bruins are in an interesting place in their ecosystem. They are coming off a season that saw them return to the playoffs after a one-year hiatus with an interesting mix of young players and prospects led by James Hagens, Dean Letourneau, Matthew Poitras, and Mason Lohrei. They also have quality players in David Pastrnak, Morgan Geekie and Pavel Zacha, so while they were once a team expected to enter the rebuilding/rebuilding phase, they are firmly in the playoff contender category right now.

The Bruins are always in the news when it comes to Canucks players. They are already home to Elias Lindholm, Nikita Zadorov and Mike DiPietro, and are reportedly on the verge of signing Brock Boeser in free agency before he re-signs in Vancouver. As for the here and now, speculation has linked them to several players, including former Bruin Jake DeBrusk, the aforementioned Boeser, and Elias Pettersson.

Starting with DeBrusk, he was in the rumor mill until the end of the trade deadline when the Canucks were busy shopping for many of their veterans. Hockey News‘ Michael DeRosa believes they should visit that early in the season to add more goals to their top six and power play.

Moving to Boeser, the Bruins reportedly continued to look for him during the offseason. According to Ryan Murphy of RG.org, they were in the midst of a veteran win at the trade deadline. Hockey WritersOwner Josh Deeds believes the Bruins should pursue him, saying, “He would add valuable talent to a roster that has unproven talent in the postseason. He would also line up with David Pastrnak and, as a playmaker, could improve the production of the Bruins’ first line.”

Finally, there’s Pettersson, who is probably the biggest wild card in the NHL this offseason when it comes to whether or not he’ll be dealt. Everyone knows how much he’s struggled since signing an annual contract (AAV) of $11.6 million in 2024, but teams are still interested in him, given his past production, and the fact that he can turn it around in a new area – just like Trevor Zegras did in Philadelphia. The Bruins reportedly signed Pettersson earlier this season, so it’s possible they won’t make another call, given the need for a quality center.

Los Angeles Kings

While the Los Angeles Kings won’t be able to replace their captain and leading scorer in Anze Kopitar this offseason, Elias Pettersson can help fill his shoes. Despite his recent struggles, he’s still a great shot-blocking center (he led all forwards last season with 108), can play in all situations and has the ability to score 25-30 goals. That being said, he can also turn it around in a new city with a new coaching staff without the pressure of being the top center in the Canadian market.

Pettersson’s wife has ties to the area, so she may be more inclined to waive her immobility clause in order to do business. The Kings were linked to him during the season at the trade deadline, and as early as June 8, ProvinceBen Kuzma believes they will go after him again to fill the aforementioned hole left by Kopitar (from ‘Canucks: Is there a way to trade Elias Pettersson to rebuild the roster?,’ Province6/8/26).

The Kings recently hired Peter Laviolette, who is known for getting the most out of offensive players, for Pettersson to develop under him. They also have plenty of cap space heading into the offseason, making it likely that the Canucks won’t have to retain salary if it happens.

Lots of Chances to Add Another First Round Pick

The Canucks will be one of the most interesting teams to watch over the next two weeks. Johnson and the Sedins have yet to hit the trade market, and with several veterans rumored to be potential first-round picks, they should make at least one move before the 32nd pick pulls up his jersey on June 26.