Canucks Won’t Move Key Piece Amid Trade Search for Center

In the wake of the news that Filip Chytil may be out for some time, the Vancouver Canucks are exploring options to find another center. But, according to NHL insiders, their search may be hampered by limited trade assets and a shallow market.

Chytil’s latest setback — believed to be another concussion — means that general manager Patrik Allvin is down a key piece and he has been actively seeking help down the middle. However, as Elliotte Friedman reported on 32 Thoughts, the team has drawn a firm line on one key asset.

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“In their search for a centre, the Canucks have made it clear they don’t want to move their 2026 first,” Friedman said. “So far, they’ve held to that, and we’ll see where things go.”

That stance limits Vancouver’s trade flexibility, especially in a league where top-six centres rarely come cheap. Frank Seravalli noted on Frankly Hockey that the Canucks have been open to moving young players but may have to settle for short-term or stopgap options.

“They’ve been willing to give up young assets to make the right fit happen,” Seravalli noted, “but [Allvin] might have to consider some alternative measures — not players you’d be getting super excited about.” In other words, if the Canucks won’t move their first-round pick and they only have so much they can give in terms of young assets, whoever or whatever comes back to the Canucks won’t be a needle-mover.

The Canucks may have to make a tough decision. Either be patient and hope they can win games without the upgrade or move a piece to get something close to what they need, but maybe not good enough to matter in the long run. And, if they really step up and move their top pick, a bad season could mean missing out on a fantastic draft.

For now, it appears Allvin is holding firm — and holding on to that 2026 first-round pick.

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