The Vancouver Canucks have a struggling young forward that’s garnering a lot of trade interest from around the league.
Nils Höglander has caught the attention of multiple clubs, including the Washington Capitals, Pittsburgh Penguins, and Columbus Blue Jackets, per NHL Network’s Kevin Weekes.
The Swedish forward broke out last season with 24 goals, all of them at even-strength. The Canucks rewarded him with a new three-year deal, which kicks in next season, just before opening night this year.
That contract, which costs $3 million per season against the cap, helps teams plan as they know the player is cost-controlled for the foreseeable future.
However, Höglander has struggled mightily throughout the first quarter of this season and seems to be falling out of favour with the coaching staff. That could make him a strong candidate to get moved.
👀
A name generating interest in the market is @Canucks F Hoglander. He’s 24, with cost certainty given his current 3Yr 3M AAV, and skilled. I’m told the Caps, Pens and CBJ are among clubs that’ve explored the possibility. #HockeyX pic.twitter.com/fNqb1S43gh— Kevin Weekes (@KevinWeekes) November 29, 2024
It’s now been three consecutive games that Höglander has played fewer than 10 minutes. He’s playing on the fourth line and not getting any time on special teams. The 23-year-old’s struggles this year are a continuation of last year’s playoffs when he had two points in 11 games.
The Canucks are in dire need of help on defence, especially after Filip Hronek recently got hurt. They could be without their best right-handed defenceman for a significant amount of time, so the pressure to make a trade is ramping up.
The Penguins and Canucks have been rumoured to be discussing a trade for some time now. Blueliner Marcus Pettersson is a strong candidate to be dealt this season and could be someone the Canucks are interested in.
The Blue Jackets have another player that the Canucks are known to like. 21-year-old David Jiricek is on the trade block, and it’s already been reported that the Canucks made an offer, although it was rejected. Perhaps Höglander could be a piece in a more competitive package.
Pressure is mounting on the Canucks to make a deal to improve their roster, and with so many teams interested, Höglander could be a casualty of the situation.