The Vancouver Canucks are gearing up for a crucial 2025-26 NHL season. With Adam Foote taking over behind the bench, Elias Pettersson and company have their work cut out. The roster is still missing pieces, though, and reports suggest the organization is down to two targets.
The Canucks know the pressure has only grown after last season’s missteps. Fans in Vancouver only want one thing, and they don’t care if it sounds unrealistic at the moment. They want the Stanley Cup and that’s exactly what the Canucks have failed to deliver. As long as their name is still on the list of franchises to have never won the Cup, the anxiety in British Columbia won’t let up.
Perhaps not all eyes—but a fair share of them will be fixed on Pettersson. Vancouver made a firm commitment this offseason, and it expects results from the 26-year-old talent. Foote will also be under heavy scrutiny, as the former assistant took the reins after Rick Tocchet’s departure to the City of Brotherly Love.
Something is missing, nevertheless. General manager Patrik Allvin thinks so, and reports indicate he’s down to two targets, in hopes of bolstering the lineup. The Canucks are after the big fish, though, as they set their sights on two coveted names: UFA Jack Roslovic and RFA Marco Rossi.
Marco Rossi #23 of the Minnesota Wild looks on against the Chicago Blackhawks during the first period of a preseason game at the United Center on October 04, 2024 in Chicago, Illinois.
“If it’s not Roslovic, I know the Canucks were trying to get Marco Rossi too. Maybe there is an opportunity to circle back,” insider Cam Robinson stated on Sekeres and Price podcast.
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Aim for the stars
The Canucks aren’t looking for any consolation prize—they want the big one. Roslovic is one of the most sought-after unrestricted free agents, who has reportedly drawn interest from the Toronto Maple Leafs and Colorado Avalanche, among other NHL franchises.
Rossi, on the other hand, is currently a restricted free agent. The Minnesota Wild own his signing rights, but negotiations between the two sides have hit a lull as of late. According to reports, the Wild and Rossi’s camp haven’t sat down at the negotiation table since June.
Here we go again
The Canucks’ interest in Rossi isn’t necessarily breaking news. As initially reported, Vancouver had offered Minnesota the fifteenth overall pick in the 2025 NHL entry Draft in exchange for the rights to Rossi. However, the Wild turned their Western Conference opponents down.
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Now, the Canucks could be on the charge once again, hoping to pair Pettersson and company with one of the league’s most exciting young talents. However, it seems Vancouver isn’t looking to go the offer sheet route with Rossi and could instead work out a trade with Minnesota for their somewhat rebellious youngster.
