Insider links Vancouver Canucks & GM Patrik Allvin with move for former third overall pick
Photo credit: James Guillory-Imagn Images
An insider has linked the Vancouver Canucks and General Manager Patrik Allvin with a move for a former third overall pick who could be in need of a fresh start.
The National Hockey League is set to resume play on Wednesday following their break for the 2026 Winter Olympics and trade talks are already beginning to heat up, with the deadline only ten days away.
Patrik Allvin and Jim Rutherford have made it clear that the Vancouver Canucks are in a rebuild at the moment and are seeking younger assets, whether that be NHL-ready players, prospects and draft picks, leading up to the deadline to ensure they can take that next step next season.
"We are transitioning into a rebuild here, acquiring younger players through the draft. Obviously, the draft is really important for us. Since Jim and I got [here] three years ago, we've definitely always emphasized on getting younger." Allvin said last month.
Insider links Vancouver Canucks GM Patrik Allvin to former third overall pick
With none of Vancouver's pending unrestricted free agents expected to net the club more than a mid-round pick each, the Canucks are going to have to get creative if they want to land young NHL talent, which could include moving players with term, something that hasn't been a priority for Patrik Allvin in recent months.
In a recently updated trade board for The Fourth Period, NHL insider David Pagnotta linked the Vancouver Canucks to former third overall pick Jesperi Kotkaniemi, who is struggling mightily this season with the Carolina Hurricanes.
"The Hurricanes are willing to move Kotkaniemi in the right deal and have explored that possibility at least once already this season. He has four more years remaining on his contract and has struggled offensively this season.
Teams Reportedly Linked: Vancouver, St. Louis." Pagnotta shared.
Teams Reportedly Linked: Vancouver, St. Louis." Pagnotta shared.
The Pori, Finland native has been connected to the Vancouver Canucks on occasion over the last year and likely would have been part of a return in an Elias Pettersson trade, with the Hurricanes trying to get him last summer.
Carolina is looking to make a deep run in the Stanley Cup Playoffs this season and don't have a ton in the way of assets, at least ones that they're willing to part with, leaving Jesperi Kotkaniemi, who has four years remaining on his contract with a cap hit of $4.82 million, as a potential trade chip for the club.
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