The Vancouver Canucks continue their challenging road trip with a matchup against one of the NHL's hottest teams, the Detroit Red Wings, on Thursday night. The game unfolds against a backdrop of intensifying trade speculation surrounding several Canucks players as the team navigates a difficult stretch of the season.
Boeser's Struggles Amplify Team Concerns
Forward Brock Boeser finds himself mired in a profound scoring slump, now extending to a career-worst 17 consecutive games without a goal. He has managed just one tally in his last 24 outings. His shooting percentage has plummeted to 10.3%, the lowest mark in four seasons, putting him on pace for a mere 18 goals this year.
Compounding the offensive woes is Boeser's defensive rating; his minus-22 ranking is the worst in the entire National Hockey League. With a contract running through the 2031-32 season at over $7 million annually, his lack of production alongside other struggling forwards like the recently scratched Jake DeBrusk presents a significant challenge for the team's management.
A Formidable Opponent in Motown
The Canucks' task does not get any easier as they arrive in Detroit. The Red Wings are experiencing a renaissance, projected for 93 points and holding a 49 per cent chance of making the playoffs, according to analysis from The Athletic.
A key driver of Detroit's surge has been the stellar play of goaltender John Gibson. Over the last month, Gibson has posted a .922 save percentage, ranking sixth in Goals Saved Above Expected (GSAx), and backstopped the team to a 12-4-2 record. This performance has transformed the Red Wings from an average expected goals team into an average actual goals team, making them a formidable opponent with elite special teams.
Trade Winds Blow Through Vancouver's Roster
As the Olympic break approaches, trade chatter surrounding the Canucks is reaching a fever pitch. While much of the speculation involves forward Kiefer Sherwood, other names are surfacing in potential deals.
One rumored scenario involves a change-of-scenery swap for underperforming former first-round picks. The proposal would see the Canucks send Lukas Reichel to the New York Rangers in exchange for forward Brennan Othmann. Reichel, acquired in a previous “Hail Mary” move by Vancouver, was recently placed on waivers and cleared. Othmann, 22, has also been the subject of trade speculation with the Rangers. Analysts suggest such a move would be an attempt to salvage value from players who have not yet met expectations.
Tonight's Matchup Details
This game marks the second and final meeting between the two clubs this season. The Red Wings won the first encounter 4-0 on December 9 in Vancouver. Historically, the Canucks have struggled in Detroit, holding a 28-51-8-5 all-time road record against the Wings.
Elias Pettersson leads active Canucks in scoring against Detroit with 18 points in 12 career games. In net, Thatcher Demko has enjoyed success against the Red Wings, boasting a 2-1-0 record with a stellar 1.02 goals-against average and a .967 save percentage in three appearances.
The Canucks will need all hands on deck to counter a confident Detroit squad and snap their own skid, all while the front office likely works the phones ahead of the looming trade deadline.
