The Vancouver Canucks have reportedly shifted their focus away from signing unrestricted free agent Jack Roslovic and are now more actively exploring the trade market to acquire a center. Roslovic, who has been linked to the Canucks for several weeks, was seen as a potential middle-six option, but the team has apparently cooled on the idea of bringing him to Vancouver.

According to The Athletic's Thomas Drance, the Canucks' management believes that Roslovic isn't necessarily the "full-time answer" they are looking for at the center position. Drance suggests that the team is comfortable with their current internal options, namely a healthy Filip Chytil and Aatu Räty, who showed promise towards the end of last season. This confidence in their existing players allows the Canucks to be more selective and patient in their search for a center.

While the Canucks are not actively pursuing Roslovic, they are still looking to bolster their depth at center. The team is reportedly willing to make a trade for a "credible middle-six center," even if that player is more defensively oriented. This indicates that the Canucks are prioritizing a player who can provide stability and reliability in their bottom-six forward group.

Several names have surfaced as potential trade targets for the Canucks. Pavel Zacha and Casey Mittelstadt of the Boston Bruins have been mentioned as possibilities. Zacha, in particular, is seen as a good fit because of his size and penalty-killing ability. Mason McTavish of the Anaheim Ducks has also been suggested as a trade target, although acquiring him would likely require a significant return.

The Canucks' timeline for acquiring a center via trade remains somewhat unclear. Drance noted that the team may wait until early October to make a move, which is consistent with their past trade activity. This suggests that the Canucks are willing to be patient and wait for the right opportunity to present itself.

The decision to shift focus from free agency to the trade market reflects the Canucks' desire to find a player who can make a significant impact on the team. While Roslovic is a capable player, the Canucks appear to be aiming higher, seeking a center who can provide more stability and potentially contribute in a variety of situations. This approach also suggests that the Canucks are comfortable with their current roster in the short term and are not feeling pressured to make a hasty addition. The team's management seems confident in the ability of Chytil and Räty to hold down the fort until a more suitable option becomes available via trade.