The Vancouver Canucks had a tough year in 2024-25. After entering last season with high expectations, they missed the playoffs. Now, their goal during the 2025-26 season will be to bounce back.
Given the outcome of the past campaign, the Canucks made changes to their roster this summer. They notably brought in Evander Kane and Pierre-Olivier Joseph. They also re-signed top winger Brock Boeser to a seven-year, $50.75 million contract. However, the Canucks also had some departures this off-season, as they moved on from Pius Suter and Dakota Joshua.
Overall, the Canucks’ roster looks solid on paper heading into the new season. Yet, after losing Suter in free agency, there is no question that they could use another skilled center. The Boston Bruins have an interesting potential option in Casey Mittelstadt.
Because of this, Heavy Sports has a trade proposal that has the Canucks acquiring Mittelstadt from the Bruins in a pre-season swap.
Canucks Get:
Casey Mittelstadt
Bruins Get:
Nils Hoglander
2026 Second-Round Pick
Casey Mittelstadt Is a Prime Trade Candidate
While Mittelstadt was just acquired by the Bruins from the Colorado Avalanche at the 2025 NHL trade deadline, questions about his future in Boston have already come up. It is understandable, as the Bruins are retooling, and he has the potential to get them a solid return in a trade.
In his latest NHL Trade Board for Bleacher Report, Lyle Richardson ranked Mittelstadt at the No. 2 spot.
“It’s unlikely the Bruins will move Mittelstadt or Zacha without getting a decent forward in return, as it would deplete their top-six forward lines,” Richardson wrote. “However, they could hit the trade block if the Bruins struggle to bounce back from last year’s disappointing season.”
With the Canucks needing more skill down the middle, bringing in a player like Mittelstadt certainly could benefit them. Thus, if the Bruins are open to moving him, he is a player who the Canucks should seriously consider making a push for.
Why Canucks Could Land Mittelstadt With This Trade Offer
While Mittelstadt had a down year in 2024-25, he still likely possesses decent trade value. This is because he is right in his prime at 26 years old and has had recent success as a top-six forward. Due to this, the Bruins are not just going to give him away. As a result, the Canucks offering a skilled forward like Hoglander and their 2026 second-round pick could be enough to get this deal done.
Like Mittelstadt, Hoglander has been the subject of trade rumors. The 24-year-old winger could use a change of scenery, and the Bruins could be a solid landing spot for him. It is no secret that the Bruins need a boost at left wing, and acquiring Hoglander would give them just that.
Hoglander is coming off a down season with the Canucks, posting eight goals and 25 points in 72 games. Yet, he also set career highs with 24 goals and 36 points in 80 games with the Canucks in 2023-24. Thus, he could be a solid pickup for Boston’s middle six if he bounced back.
Furthermore, with the Bruins retooling, they are working on improving their prospect pool. Thus, the Canucks adding their second-round pick to this deal could help them land Mittelstadt.