A former third overall pick has been mentioned as a possible trade target for the Vancouver Canucks this summer as the team looks to make some noise and bring in a top-six forward.
Vancouver Canucks fans are hoping that the team will be busy this summer on both the free agent and trade fronts after President of Hockey Operations Jim Rutherford promised that they'll be aggressive in the hopes of upgrading their team and pushing for a playoff spot next season.
Throughout the month of June, more names are going to be popping up for the Canucks' management staff to consider bringing in and on Monday, an intriguing option has been suggested.
Former third overall pick named as possible target for the Vancouver Canucks
Focusing on their second line center vacancy head into the summer has to be a priority for the organization and in an article on The Hockey Writers on Monday, Matthew Zator mentioned pending restricted free agent forward Mason McTavish as a potential option for Patrik Allvin.
"He's big, physical, has a great shot on the power play, and is solid defensively. He's also been pretty good in the faceoff circle, winning over 50 percent of his draws the last two seasons (51.7 percent in 2023-24 and 50.7 percent in 2024-25). Basically, everything the Canucks need in their top-six to replace what Miller brought to the ice." Zator said about the former third overall pick.
Landing Mason McTavish is easier said than done, as the Anaheim Ducks are hoping to hold onto him given that he's a big piece of what they're trying to build and General Manager Pat Verbeek is likely seeking a haul for the 22-year-old, if he's officially made available.
Vancouver's offer would have to start with their 2025 first round pick (15th overall), as well as a prospect and while the Canucks might not have an appetite to move one of Tom Willander or Jonathan Lekkerimaki, they may not have a choice if they want to acquire the World Junior gold medalist.