Canucks Live: Last call in Vegas before the Olympics | Gavin McKenna moves up to top of draft board
· The Province
The Vancouver Canucks are heading to Las Vegas for a final pre‑Olympic stop before the NHL’s extended break, a move that underscores the urgency of addressing a roster that has been battered by injuries. Over the past month, the team has lost several key contributors to the back‑of‑the‑net and defensive corps, leaving the coaching staff scrambling to find a balanced lineup for the remaining regular‑season games. With the league’s schedule compressed and the 2026 Winter Games looming, the Canucks are hoping the break will provide a much‑needed rest and reset for their remaining healthy players, while also giving management a clearer picture of the team’s long‑term needs.
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In the wake of the injuries, trade activity is expected to surge once the break concludes. General Manager John Weisberg has indicated that the Canucks will be open to exploring deals that could bring in veteran depth or a top‑six forward to shore up the lineup for the playoffs. Meanwhile, the draft board has taken a surprising turn with forward Gavin McKenna moving up to the top of the rankings, a testament to his breakout season and the potential he offers as a high‑impact player. McKenna’s rise has sparked speculation that the Canucks could leverage his value in a trade package, or alternatively, secure him in the upcoming draft to lock in a cornerstone for the franchise’s future. As the team navigates the delicate balance between immediate competitiveness and long‑term rebuilding, the Vegas stop serves as a final rehearsal before the NHL’s pause and the subsequent flurry of trade negotiations.