The Montreal Canadiens have proven that a meticulous NHL roster rebuild in a hockey-centric market can yield significant rewards. After committing to a franchise shift in 2022, the Canadiens have emerged as the league's youngest team to advance to the Eastern Conference final, with an average age of 25.8 years. Their journey offers a blueprint for the Vancouver Canucks, who are now embarking on a similar transformation.
Canucks' new philosophy draws inspiration from Montreal
Vancouver Canucks general manager Ryan Johnson emphasized the importance of sticking to a vision, citing the Canadiens and Anaheim Ducks as examples. "There are lessons to be learned from teams who have gone through it and done it the right way and stayed with it," Johnson said. "You get rewarded at the end, and certainly, that's our plan here."
Lessons from the Canadiens' rebuild
The Canadiens accumulated assets by trading roster players with market value, such as Tyler Toffoli, Artturi Lehkonen, Ben Chiarot, and Brett Kulak. They also made astute draft picks, including Cole Caufield (15th overall in 2019), Juraj Slafkovsky (first overall in 2022), and Ivan Demidov (fifth overall in 2024). Second-round selections like Oliver Kapanen and Calder Trophy winner Lane Hutson, along with third-round goalie Jacob Fowler, have also contributed to their depth.
In contrast, the Canucks have begun their rebuild by trading Quinn Hughes, Kiefer Sherwood, Conor Garland, and Tyler Myers, acquiring seven draft picks and prospect defenseman Cole Clayton. With a franchise-record 10 picks in the 2026 draft, including two in both the first and second rounds, Vancouver must make smart selections to shorten the rebuild.
Potential trade assets for the Canucks
The Canucks have marketable players who could be moved for additional assets. Winger Jake DeBrusk, 29, has a favorable contract at $5.5 million US annually for five more years and may waive his no-movement clause to join a contender. Defenseman Filip Hronek, 28, who averaged 25 minutes per game and finished second in team scoring, could command a first-round pick and a prime prospect, though he also has a no-movement clause.
Prospects to watch
Key prospects for the Canucks include WHL center Braeden Cootes (15th overall in 2025), defenseman Tom Willlander (11th overall in 2023), and hard-hitting blueliner Elias Pettersson (80th overall in 2022). Winger Jonathan Lekkerimaki (15th overall in 2022) is expected to play a larger role next season after undergoing shoulder surgery for a torn labrum and rotator cuff. His development will be crucial; he had only three points in 13 NHL games this season.
Canucks co-president of hockey operations Henrik Sedin drew parallels to his own playing days, emphasizing the need for young players to push each other. "You can have good players or prospects, but if they don't decide they're going to make a difference, it's tough to get anywhere," he said.
Manny Malhotra's potential as head coach
Assistant coach Manny Malhotra is considered a leading candidate to replace fired head coach Adam Foote. Drawing inspiration from Canadiens coach Martin St. Louis, who had no NHL head coaching experience before guiding Montreal's rebuild, Malhotra could bring a fresh perspective. St. Louis famously said, "I'm not coming in as a substitute teacher. My intention is to stay here for a long time."
Malhotra's ability to connect with star center Elias Pettersson could be pivotal. If he cannot elicit consistent effort, Pettersson may become trade bait.
The Canucks' rebuild is in its early stages, but the Canadiens' success provides a clear roadmap. With prudent drafting, strategic trades, and patience, Vancouver hopes to follow Montreal's path to long-term competitiveness.
