Canucks News and rumors: Gourde, Byram, Hughes and more – Hockey Writers – Vancouver Canucks

In this edition of Vancouver Canucks News & Rumors, we explore the potential addition of Yanni Gourde to the organization. The team is reportedly targeting Bowen Byram to bolster their blue line. Additionally, Quinn Hughes and Elias Pettersson are out for Saturday night's game against the Seattle Kraken.

Is Gourde worth it in Vancouver?

With the NHL roster now complete, President of Hockey Operations Jim Rutherford and General Manager Patrik Allvin are expected to resume efforts to improve the Canucks' roster. Earlier it was reported that this organization was busy checking the movements before it was frozen. The Canucks are particularly interested in acquiring a forward and a defenseman, and another possible target is Kraken forward Gourde.

According to Chris Johnston of The Athletic, Vancouver could be a home for the 33-year-old center (from 'NHL trade broker: Predicting where top targets go at deadline, part 1,' The Athletic, Dec 26, 2024). Gourde has one year left on his contract and could improve the club's bottom six players. Although the Canucks already have Pius Suter and Teddy Blueger in those roles, adding Gourde will allow Suter to shift to the wing, improving the flexibility of the line. Gourde's versatility allows him to play on the wing when needed.

Gourde brings significant Stanley Cup experience, winning back-to-back championships with the Tampa Bay Lightning in 2020 and 2021. His leadership qualities will be a valuable addition to the Canucks' locker room, especially given the reported tension between Elias Pettersson and JT Miller. .

Byram: The Green Line Target

The Canucks are also looking to strengthen their blue line, which has been a weak spot, especially with Filip Hronek likely out for another month. Another target is 23-year-old Bowen Byram.

Related: Pettersson & Miller Try To Shut Down Rumors Of Rift In Canucks Locker Room

Rick Dhaliwal previously reported that Byram was among the team's top scorers before the roster was set. If acquired, Byram would quickly slot in as the Canucks' second-best defenseman behind Hughes. Like Gourde, Byram also has experience winning the Stanley Cup, having won with the Colorado Avalanche in 2022. During those playoff runs, he recorded nine assists in 20 games and averaged the third most ice time among Avalanche defensemen behind Devon Toews and Cale. Makar.

However, finding Byram will not be easy. The Canucks will need to weigh the cost of a potential trade, and if the price is too high, they may need to explore other options. Still, finding a top-four defenseman with solid skill will remain a challenge.

Pettersson and Hughes Doubtful Saturday night

The Canucks return to action from Saturday night's layoff against the Seattle Kraken, but they may have to do so without Hughes and Pettersson. Head coach Rick Tocchet said both players are out for the Pacific Division game.

Hughes was a game-time decision in the Canucks' previous game against the San Jose Sharks but was able to play. Meanwhile, Pettersson left that game in the third period after scoring two goals earlier. Tocchet acknowledged that it is difficult to predict the timeline of their returns.

“It is difficult to predict. I don't know if it's day to day or week to week.”

While Pettersson's absence will hurt the team, losing Hughes could be an even bigger blow. With Filip Hronek already sidelined, Hughes has been the glue holding the blue line together. He leads the team with an average of 25:08 ice time per game, which ranks sixth in the NHL. His eight goals and 42 points in 34 games are second among NHL defensemen.

The Canucks will watch them at the World Junior Championships

The 2025 World Junior Championships are underway, and the Canucks have a few opportunities to compete. 2023 first-round pick Tom Willander represented Sweden, where he collected two assists in two games, helping Sweden record a record 2-0.

Meanwhile, Basile Sansonnens, the Canucks' 2024 seventh-round pick, plays for Switzerland. He has yet to record a point, and Switzerland remains winless.

Additionally, Sawyer Mynio, a 2023 third-round pick, was not drafted. However, with Canada's Matthew Schaefer injured in the game against Latvia, TSN's Bob McKenzie said Mynio is expected to be included in the lineup.