7 reclamation projects for the Vancouver Canucks to consider in free agency
The word “reclamation projects” might bring back some PTSD for Vancouver Canucks fans.
During the Jim Benning era in Vancouver, the ex-Canucks GM was known for trading draft picks for players who hadn’t worked out in previous organizations, in hopes that they would find their game in Vancouver.
It rarely ever happened, leaving the Canucks with a dearth of picks and underwhelming players.
However, finding such players in free agency comes with less risk, as long as the deals are short-term.
The Canucks would be wise to target players who could rediscover their game in Vancouver. If that’s a path they choose to go down in free agency, here are seven potential players to target.
1. Patrik Laine, RW
2025-26 NHL stats: 5 GP, 0 G, 1 A, 1 PTS
If the Canucks are looking for someone who has experienced an Elias Pettersson-like fall from grace, Patrik Laine could be their guy.
Laine once looked like he would be the next Alexander Ovechkin after scoring 44 goals as a 19-year-old. Surprisingly, that ended up being the peak of his career.
The 28-year-old barely played this season due to injury. He was healthy during the playoffs; however, Laine was unable to get into the Candiens lineup.
Because the Finnish winger spent over 100 days on Injured Reserve, he can sign a cheap, bonus-laden contract. Laine would certainly get lots of opportunities in Vancouver. And, theoretically, he’d be an excellent trade chip if the Canucks can convince him to sign.
2. Oliver Bjorkstrand, RW
2025-26 NHL stats: 80 GP, 12 G, 20 A, 32 PTS
Perhaps fellow Dane, Jannik Hansen, can put in a good word about Vancouver for Bjorkstrand.
The 31-year-old winger is coming off the least productive season of his NHL career since becoming a full-time player in 2017-18. His season also ended midway through the Tampa Bay Lightning’s Round One series against Montreal, when Bjorkstrand was whisked into emergency surgery for a rare muscle ailment. He is expected to be fully healthy next season.
Bjorkstrand has averaged 21 goals and 47 points per 82 games throughout his career.
3. Eeli Tolvanen, RW/LW
2025-26 NHL stats: 78 GP, 12 G, 24 A, 36 PTS
Much like Bjorkstrand, Eeli Tolvanen isn’t heading into free agency on a high.
The Finnish winger saw his goal and point totals dip below his career norms with the Kraken last season, even though he played a career-high 16:07 per game.
Much of that was because new Kraken head coach Lane Lambert had Tolvanen in a matchup-heavy role.
The Canucks could theoretically build up Tolvanen’s value by playing him in a more offensive, soft-matchup role. He should also have value as a trade chip, considering he plays with a physical edge. Tolvanen was second among Kraken players last season with 187 hits.
Andrew Peeke was once a top-pairing defenceman for the Columbus Blue Jackets (Bob Frid/Imagn Images)
4. Andrew Peeke, RD
2025-26 NHL stats: 77 GP, 5 G, 9 A, 14 PTS
Big, physical NHL defencemen always tend to hold their value in trades.
Leading up to the 2026 NHL trade deadline, players like Tyler Myers and Connor Murphy went for second-round picks. Former Canuck Carson Soucy was also traded, once again, for a third-rounder.
Could Andrew Peeke be that guy for the Canucks?
The 6-foot-3, 215-pound defenceman played top-four minutes for the playoff-bound Boston Bruins last season. Although he’s had struggles defending throughout his career, he’d be a worthy flyer for the Canucks. If they can elevate his defensive game, there’s a good chance they could trade him for assets later on.
5. Ville Heinola, LD
2025-26 NHL stats: 5 GP, 0 G, 0 A, 0 PTS
Once a highly-touted prospect, 25-year-old Ville Heinola has yet to crack the NHL full-time.
Several factors worked against him, including injuries and the fact that he’s undersized, standing at 5-foot-11, 180 pounds.
But Heinola was drafted in the first round for a reason. He’s a smart defender and a decent puck mover. If Vancouver is looking for a low-cost, young defenceman who has a good chance of recouping his value, Heinola could be that guy.
6. Mathieu Joseph, RW
2025-26 NHL stats: 51 GP, 2 G, 9 A, 11 PTS
It’s been a rough couple of seasons for Mathieu Joseph.
The older brother of Canucks defenceman (and pending UFA) Pierre-Olivier Joseph had his contract terminated earlier this season by the St. Louis Blues. Mathieu Joseph then signed with the Los Angeles Kings, where he couldn’t get much going.
At his best, Joseph looks like a speedy, tenacious middle-six winger who can provide some secondary offence. He’s done so before, hitting double-digits in goals during four of his eight NHL seasons.
7. Mathew Dumba, RD
2025-26 NHL stats: 11 GP, 1 G, 2 A, 3 PTS
Although it feels like he’s been around forever, defenceman Mathew Dumba is still only 31 years old.
Once a top-four rock for the Minnesota Wild, Dumba has bounced around in recent seasons and spent most of last year in the AHL for the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins.
Dumba wouldn’t cost the Canucks much in free agency, and could even be a potential professional tryout candidate if he goes unsigned.
And if the Regina, Sask., native shows something, there are always teams that are looking for right-shot defencemen at the trade deadline.