The Vancouver Canucks are navigating a challenging phase of the 2025-26 season as the year comes to a close, currently sitting at the bottom of the NHL standings. After a promising four-game winning streak, the team has struggled, dropping their most recent games to the Philadelphia Flyers and San Jose Sharks. This recent slump has intensified discussions around potential trades and player performance, making for a busy week ahead.

Trade Rumors: Jordan Kyrou

Amidst a season of struggles, the Canucks are reportedly expressing interest in St. Louis Blues forward Jordan Kyrou. According to Chris Johnston and Jeremy Rutherford of The Athletic, Kyrou has been a topic of trade discussions, although his fit with the Canucks' current rebuilding phase is questionable. Kyrou, at 27 years old, is in his prime and has consistently scored over 30 goals in the past three seasons. While he could inject much-needed offense into the Canucks' lineup, the potential cost of acquiring him is a concern. The Canucks may be hesitant to part with high draft picks or prospects that the Blues would likely demand.

Elias Pettersson's Return and Performance

Elias Pettersson recently returned to the lineup after recovering from an injury. He has signed an eight-year, $92.8 million contract extension with the Canucks. The deal carries an average annual value of $11.6 million. While his return is a positive development, the team's performance has been inconsistent. In a recent game against the San Jose Sharks, Pettersson led the Canucks in expected goals percentage (xGF%), but the team suffered a 6-3 loss.

Filip Chytil's Role

Filip Chytil, acquired in a previous trade, is expected to play a significant role for the Canucks. He has two years remaining on his contract and could provide valuable savings for the Canucks in the offseason. Chytil's presence could also address the team's need for a top-six center.

Other Considerations

The Canucks' struggles at Rogers Arena continue to be a concern, with a poor home record of 14-20-3. The team's performance in the remaining games of 2025 and heading into 2026 will be crucial in determining their direction for the rest of the season. The team traded Quinn Hughes to the Minnesota Wild two weeks ago.

Overall, the Vancouver Canucks face a week filled with challenges and potential changes. The possibility of acquiring Jordan Kyrou, the return of Elias Pettersson, and the expected contribution of Filip Chytil are key storylines to watch as the team navigates its current struggles and looks towards the future.