BREAKING: Canucks Land Star Centre in Massive New Deal as Vancouver Moves Aggressively to Replace Injured Filip Chytil
Canucks’ Centre Conundrum: Seven Trade Options Emerge as Vancouver Scrambles to Replace Injured Filip Chytil
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It was only a matter of time before the Vancouver Canucks began exploring the trade market for a centre — though few expected it to happen this soon. What began as a promising start to the 2025–26 NHL season has quickly turned into a scramble for solutions following Filip Chytil’s latest injury setback.
Through five games, Chytil looked like he was finding his stride as the team’s second-line centre, already posting three goals while integrating well into Adam Foote’s balanced forward setup. But one unfortunate, unnecessary hit from Washington’s Tom Wilson in Game 6 changed everything. Chytil’s exit from the lineup was immediate and concerning — especially considering his long history with head injuries.
With Chytil now on Injured Reserve and no clear timeline for his return, the Canucks’ centre depth chart suddenly looks paper-thin. Beyond star forward Elias Pettersson, the options are sparse: Aatu Räty, Max Sasson, and Teddy Blueger — who is also nursing an injury. For a team with playoff aspirations, that simply isn’t enough.
General manager Patrik Allvin and his staff must act quickly, and trade speculation has already begun. Here’s a look at seven potential trade targets who could fill the gap down the middle for the Chytil-less Canucks — ranging from big-name veterans to intriguing young reclamation projects.
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1. Nazem Kadri (Calgary Flames)
Age: 35 | Contract: $7M AAV until 2029 (NMC)
2025–26 Stats: 7 GP – 0 G, 4 A, 4 PTS – 20:14 TOI – 56.9% Corsi
At the top of the list is arguably the only premium centre currently available on the market. The Calgary Flames are off to a rocky start, and Nazem Kadri’s frustration is reportedly growing. Despite his team’s struggles, Kadri remains one of the league’s most competitive and fiery players — and his performance still meets top-six standards.
From Calgary’s perspective, there’s logic in moving Kadri now, before age and decline erode his value. His four remaining contract years make him a costly addition, but if Vancouver truly wants a veteran who can stabilize their centre depth and bring playoff experience, Kadri might be worth the price.
However, this would be a major swing — and one that comes with financial gymnastics and a significant trade return.
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2. J.G. Pageau (New York Islanders)
Age: 32 | Contract: $5M AAV until 2026 (NTC)
2025–26 Stats: 5 GP – 1 G, 2 A, 3 PTS – 14:02 TOI – 49.6% Corsi
If Kadri represents a bold long-term play, Pageau is the more practical short-term fix. The New York Islanders are expected to move him before the trade deadline, as he’s one of the more valuable pending UFAs on the market.
Vancouver could choose to act early, offering an incentive for the Islanders to part ways now rather than later. While Pageau isn’t a traditional second-line centre, he’s a responsible two-way player who can contribute offensively — he scored 42 points last season — and he excels in faceoffs and penalty killing.
The downside? Acquiring him early might cost the Canucks a first-round pick. Still, his contract expires soon, and that lack of long-term commitment may appeal to Allvin’s cautious approach.
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3. Tommy Novak (Pittsburgh Penguins)
Age: 28 | Contract: $3.5M AAV until 2027
2025–26 Stats: 6 GP – 0 G, 1 A, 1 PTS – 11:54 TOI – 49.6% Corsi
Tommy Novak isn’t a household name, but his production in Nashville before arriving in Pittsburgh was quietly impressive — including a 43-point season. Now, however, he’s found himself buried in the Penguins’ crowded forward group and struggling to regain that offensive touch.
That could make Novak a low-cost trade target. If given more responsibility in Vancouver’s middle six, there’s reason to believe he could rediscover his playmaking form. His affordable cap hit and manageable term make him one of the better “value” candidates on this list.
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4. Lukas Reichel (Chicago Blackhawks)
Age: 23 | Contract: $1.2M AAV until 2026 (RFA)
2025–26 Stats: 4 GP – 2 G, 1 A, 3 PTS – 9:35 TOI – 43.8% Corsi
At first glance, Lukas Reichel’s three points in four games look promising — but his limited ice time tells a different story. Chicago’s coaching staff hasn’t trusted him with significant minutes, and a trade could help him unlock his potential elsewhere.
The former top prospect has all the offensive tools to succeed but remains inconsistent. For Vancouver, he’d be a low-risk, high-upside addition. His contract is cheap, his age fits the Canucks’ core, and his development could be nurtured in a more stable environment.
If Allvin is looking for a project player who could bloom into a long-term solution, Reichel fits the mold.
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5. J.T. Compher (Detroit Red Wings)
Age: 30 | Contract: $5.1M AAV until 2028 (10-team NTC)
2025–26 Stats: 6 GP – 0 G, 1 A, 1 PTS – 16:53 TOI – 48.8% Corsi
Compher’s tenure in Detroit hasn’t gone as planned. Once a reliable 50-point player, his offensive output has dropped sharply, and he’s become a roadblock for younger Red Wings forwards seeking ice time.
For Vancouver, Compher could represent a buy-low candidate — especially if Detroit retains part of his salary. At half his current cap hit, Compher’s experience, defensive reliability, and versatility could make him a worthwhile gamble.
He’s not flashy, but he’s dependable — and that might be exactly what the Canucks need while Chytil recovers.
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6. Ross Colton (Colorado Avalanche)
Age: 29 | Contract: $4M AAV until 2027 (12-team NTC)
2025–26 Stats: 6 GP – 1 G, 0 A, 1 PTS – 11:43 TOI – 59.7% Corsi
Ross Colton has already expressed interest in being traded — primarily to earn more opportunities at centre. Though his offensive start this season has been underwhelming, Colton’s energy, two-way play, and ability to produce 30–40 points annually make him an intriguing fit.
In Vancouver, he could finally get top-six minutes and power-play exposure, something that’s been scarce in Colorado. His contract is reasonable, and his effort level is never in question. For the Canucks, Colton could bring both grit and versatility without breaking the bank.
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7. Adam Henrique (Edmonton Oilers)
Age: 35 | Contract: $3M AAV until 2026 (NMC)
2025–26 Stats: 6 GP – 1 G, 1 A, 2 PTS – 12:40 TOI – 45.5% Corsi
Finally, there’s veteran Adam Henrique — the reliable but aging centre currently playing a limited role on Edmonton’s fourth line. With the Oilers fighting salary-cap constraints, moving Henrique could free up space, and his veteran presence could bring short-term stability to the Canucks’ lineup.
He’s not a long-term answer, but as a stopgap who can handle defensive assignments and provide leadership, Henrique might make sense. The complication is his full no-movement clause, meaning any deal would require his approval.
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Final Thoughts
The Canucks’ centre crisis couldn’t have come at a worse time. Filip Chytil’s absence exposes a fragile roster that desperately needs depth behind Elias Pettersson. Whether Allvin opts for a short-term rental like Pageau or a long-term fix like Kadri, the urgency is clear.
Vancouver’s start to the season has been promising, but maintaining momentum in a competitive Pacific Division will require decisive action. As the front office weighs these trade options, one truth stands out: doing nothing isn’t an option.
A patchwork solution may hold the line for now, but if the Canucks want to stay in the playoff picture — and protect Pettersson from burnout — a move down the middle has to happen soon.
