The Vancouver Canucks are one of the NHL’s top selling teams at the 2026 NHL trade deadline. They have already traded Tyler Myers to the Dallas Stars and Conor Garland to the Columbus Blue Jackets this week, but more moves could very well be on the way.
The Canucks have several trade candidates leading up to 3 p.m. ET on deadline day, as players like Elias Pettersson, Jake DeBrusk, Teddy Blueger, Evander Kane, and David Kampf have all been discussed as trade candidates. With this, it is possible that the Canucks could have at least one trade ahead of them before the deadline passes.
While the Canucks are big sellers, they have now added to their roster through the waiver wire.
Canucks Claim Tough Guy Curtis Douglas Off Waivers From Lightning
According to Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman, the Canucks have claimed forward Curtis Douglas off of waivers from the Tampa Bay Lightning. With this, the Canucks have added a 6-foot-9 tough guy forward who should fit well into their bottom six as they continue their rebuild.
When it was announced that the Lightning placed Douglas on waivers on Thursday, it seemed possible that a team would claim him. This is because he is one of the NHL’s biggest and toughest forwards. Now, he is heading to the Canucks’ roster and will be looking to make Vancouver a more difficult team to go up against from here.
There is ultimately no harm in the Canucks taking a chance on a forward like Douglas. There is no question that his size and grit make him a fascinating player, and it is fair to wonder if he could take another step, joining a team that could give him more opportunities like the Canucks. Keep in mind, the big forward is still in his first NHL season and is only 26 years old, so he still has time to take another step forward in his development.
Lightning Could End Up Missing Douglas
Douglas did not make the biggest of offensive impact with the Lightning this season, as he recorded just two assists in 29 games. While this is the case, he is a player who the Bolts could end up missing a bit when it comes to his toughness and physicality. This is especially so for when the playoffs come around and the games get tougher.
Douglas undoubtedly made the Lightning harder to go up against due to his tenacity. In 29 games this season with the Lightning, the big forward had 32 hits and 92 penalty minutes.
Yet, the Lightning also made an upgrade to their bottom six on deadline day, as they acquired Corey Perry from the Los Angeles Kings. The 40-year-old Perry will provide the Lightning with more offense and experience in their bottom six, so that should help lessen the sting of losing Douglas for Tampa Bay.
Nevertheless, it will now be interesting to see how much of an impact Douglas can make with the Canucks after being claimed off waivers by the Pacific Division club from here.
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