Vancouver Canucks are navigating a season filled with trade rumors, player performance analysis, and coaching stability questions as the Olympic break approaches. Here's a breakdown of the latest surrounding Teddy Blueger, Elias Pettersson, Pierre-Olivier Joseph, and Head Coach Adam Foote:
Teddy Blueger: As the March 6 trade deadline nears, Blueger's name is circulating in trade discussions. Canucks' president Jim Rutherford confirmed the team's intention to trade pending unrestricted free agents (UFAs) as part of their ongoing rebuild. Blueger, who previously won a Stanley Cup with Vegas, is preparing for the possibility of being moved. There is speculation that the Canucks would want a second-round pick in exchange for Blueger.
Elias Pettersson: Despite signing an eight-year contract extension with the Canucks in March 2024, Pettersson's name has surfaced in trade rumors. With the Olympic roster freeze temporarily halting trades, Pettersson's future with the team remains a topic of speculation. If Pettersson were to waive his no-trade clause, many teams would be interested in acquiring him.
Pierre-Olivier Joseph: Joseph signed a one-year contract with the Canucks on July 2, 2025, for $775,000. Despite the Canucks' depth on the blue line, Joseph believed the team was a good fit for him. Joseph's recent goal against the Vegas Golden Knights was his first since April 2024. He emphasizes the importance of the team focusing on the "little details" as they head into the Olympic break.
Adam Foote: Despite the Canucks' difficult season and their position at the bottom of the NHL standings, Adam Foote will remain the team's head coach for the rest of the season. General Manager Patrik Allvin has expressed confidence in Foote and the coaching staff, attributing the team's struggles to injuries rather than coaching performance. The organization sees no reason to make an in-season coaching change. However, Foote's performance will be evaluated as part of a broader organizational review in the offseason. Injuries to key players, including Filip Chytil and Teddy Blueger, have impacted the team's performance. Thomas Drance of The Athletic reports that the decision has already been made internally.