Canucks linked to two very expensive defenseman
The Canucks will once again be on the market for a right-handed shot defenceman, and Patrik Allvin will have to be creative if he intends to acquire one via trade.
Just like Allvin did during the 2023-2024 campaign when he pulled a mid-season trade to acquire Nikita Zadorov from the Calgary Flames, the Canucks will once again be trying to add to their current core. The Canucks have made it clear they intend to be as dominant and hopefully even better than they were during the last season; that means they'll be on the lookout for improvements.
On the Locked on Canucks Podcast earlier today, the Canucks were linked to two very experienced but also costly veterans.
Jacob Trouba, currently with the New York Rangers, is on a seven-year contract worth $56 million, carrying an annual cap hit of $8 million through the 2025-26 season. A right-shot defenseman, Trouba has consistently been a physical, reliable presence on the blue line, contributing both defensively and offensively with 30-40 points per season.
His robust and physical style of play, combined with his leadership as Rangers' captain, would add significant depth and grit to the Canucks' defence. Trouba's experience and defensive acumen could stabilize Vancouver's back end, especially in high-pressure situations.
Colton Parayko, a key defenseman for the St. Louis Blues, is currently signed to an eight-year contract worth $52 million, carrying a $6.5 million annual cap hit through the 2029-30 season. Standing at 6'6" and known for his strong defensive play, Parayko consistently contributes around 20-30 points per season. His combination of size, reach, and mobility would make him an ideal fit in the Vancouver Canucks' defensive depth chart. Parayko's ability to play heavy minutes against top opponents would provide stability and strengthen Vancouver's blue line, complementing their existing defensive core.
With their respective contracts involved and the sensitivity of the team's salary cap situations, it's hard to imagine that the Canucks would try and acquire either one of those massive contracts, but two that they'd consider adding one of that two very expensive players whose primes are clearly past them.
Allvin will have to be creative down the line because if the Canucks are to be looked at as a serious contender, this defensive core needs an upgrade. Will this upgrade come from trading for a high-profile player? Could it be coming from a top prospect like Tom Willander? Or a young defenceman in his mid-20s, hoping for an opportunity with a new team? We'll have to trust Allvin with this one; thus far, he's shown that he can get the job done when called upon.
Source: Locked on Canucks Podcast
Trouba, Parayko & other trade targets on D for Canucks
| POLL | ||
Who would rather see with the Canucks? | ||
| Jacob Trouba | 114 | 35.6 % |
| Colton Parayko | 86 | 26.9 % |
| Neither | 120 | 37.5 % |
| List of polls | ||
