The Vancouver Canucks have decided to move on from pursuing Jack Roslovic, shifting their focus to securing a significant trade for a centre as the 2025-26 <a href="https://www.buzzineintl.com/category/hockey/nhl/”>NHL season nears. With training camp starting in Penticton in just a month, the team is preparing strategically for upcoming challenges.
Despite earlier interest in Roslovic, formerly of the Winnipeg Jets, the Canucks’ management does not see him or other unrestricted free agents as long-term solutions for their central depth. The club has revisited its options thoroughly, consulting head coach Adam Foote to identify internal and external possibilities before settling on this new approach.
Free Agency No Longer a Priority: Trade Seen as Best Path
The Canucks have cooled off on late-summer free agent signings, focusing instead on acquiring a consistent middle-six centre through trade, according to NHL insider Thomas Drance. This shift reflects the club’s belief that a meaningful upgrade at centre will not come from bargain-bin unrestricted free agents.
“Hearing the Canucks have cooled off on pursuing late summer UFA Jack Roslovic. Club wants a full-time centre upgrade, and doesn’t see that player available in the UFA bargain bin. It’s going to take a trade.”
—Thomas Drance
Sources within the organization reveal the Canucks are ready to act quickly if the right opportunity arises, even if it means pursuing a centre known more for defensive capabilities than offense. Their past moves indicate they are willing to exercise patience, having prioritized trades around Canadian Thanksgiving in recent years to capitalize on opponents’ roster dilemmas near the season’s start.
Building Around Current Players While Awaiting Trade Opportunities
Internally, Vancouver is counting on a healthy Filip Chytil and the clutch performances of Aatu Räty to help stabilize the middle of the lineup. However, the team acknowledges that these players alone are not enough to resolve the centre position issue fully.
With the season approaching, the Canucks clearly understand the necessity of upgrading their centre depth, yet they anticipate that the solution will come through the trade market rather than free agent signings. The coming weeks are expected to see increased activity as the club looks to finalize a key acquisition before the season’s opening games.