The Vancouver Canucks are determined to add a dynamic young center to their roster, with a focus on bolstering their second line. With the NHL season fast approaching, the team is actively exploring trade options to enhance their depth down the middle.

After cooling their interest in free agent Jack Roslovic, the Canucks have shifted their focus to the trade market, seeking a center who can play significant minutes in the middle six and complement their offensive core. According to reports, the Canucks made a strong push at the NHL Draft, offering the 15th overall pick for Minnesota Wild forward Marco Rossi. However, the deal fell through when Rossi signed a bridge contract with the Wild.

Several names have emerged as potential targets for the Canucks, including Jesperi Kotkaniemi of the Carolina Hurricanes and Pavel Zacha of the Boston Bruins. Kotkaniemi, 25, has an affordable $4.82 million cap hit and has shown flashes of offensive upside. Some believe a change of scenery could unlock his full potential. Zacha, 28, is a more established option, with multiple 20-goal seasons and experience centering Boston's top line. Acquiring Zacha would likely cost the Canucks more in terms of trade assets.

Another potential target for the Canucks is Anaheim Ducks center Mason McTavish. The 22-year-old is viewed as a potential top-six contributor. However, McTavish is also on the radar of other teams, and the Ducks are keen to re-sign him. The sticking point in negotiations between McTavish and the Ducks is reportedly the term of the contract, as the Ducks' GM Pat Verbeek isn't keen on going long term yet.

As training camp approaches, Filip Chytil and Aatu Raty are projected to handle center duties for the Canucks. However, if early chemistry doesn't click, General Manager Patrik Allvin is expected to remain aggressive on the trade front. The Canucks' additions of wingers Evander Kane and defenseman Pierre-Olivier Joseph have not addressed the need for a second-line center.

According to some observers, the Canucks might be interested in Mason McTavish if the Anaheim Ducks make him available. However, it's expected that many teams would be interested in acquiring him. Steve Ewen noted that the Canucks were among the teams interested in Marco Rossi, but Rossi is no longer available after signing a three-year bridge contract with the Minnesota Wild.

With limited appealing free-agent options available, the Canucks are primarily focused on the trade market to fill their need for a second-line center. The team's internal options for the position are Filip Chytil and Aatu Raty, but the Canucks are seeking a more proven commodity to solidify their top-six forward group.