With just under two weeks until the 2025 NHL Entry Draft, rumours about potential player movement are at an all-time high. Almost every day, a new trade or signing rumour appears, as teams around the league get set for free agency. The Vancouver Canucks are no exception, as they have been linked to numerous players, including some of the Buffalo Sabres.
When it comes to the Sabres, two names have been connected to Canucks over the last few seasons. One being Josh Norris, who Vancouver tried to acquire this year, and the other being Bowen Byram, who the Canucks have had rumoured interest in for the past few seasons. With Buffalo expected to make some significant roster moves this off-season, now might be Vancouver's best chance to finally acquire both players.
Starting with Josh Norris, he would fill the Canucks second-line center spot, which is a desperate need heading into the 2025-26 season. The 26-year-old has averaged .66 points per game over 239 regular-season games and is coming off a season where he won 53.1% of his faceoffs. Norris is also signed to a long-term deal and will carry a cap hit of $7.95 million until the end of the 2029-30 season.
While Norris does fill a need that Vancouver has, there is some risk in acquiring him. He has only played 114 games over the past three seasons due to injury, and was shut down in mid-March due to an oblique injury. The question now is whether the Canucks are willing to take that risk, or if the organization feels that his injury history is too much of a deterrent moving forward.
As for Byram, he is a versatile defenceman who would instantly upgrade Vancouver's top four. This past season, he played both the left and right side, which included over 600 five-on-five minutes next to Rasmus Dahlin. Ultimately, bringing in Byram would give the Canucks some extra flexibility on their blue line, as they could play either him or Filip Hronek next to Quinn Hughes.
The issue with Byram will be the trade cost. According to recent reports, multiple teams are expected to be interested in acquiring the 24-year-old, which could drive up his price. Byram is also a restricted free agent this summer, meaning that Vancouver would have to work out a new contract if they acquired him from Buffalo.
Speaking of trade cost, the Canucks have an important decision to make this off-season. If they do decide to go all-in on Norris and Byram, it will most likely mean draining the prospect poll by sending picks and players to Buffalo. While both players will significantly improve the current roster, the organization does need to have an eye to the future, as dealing significant young pieces could prohibit Vancouver from having an extended competitive window.
Based on Jim Rutherford's history, there is a good chance that the Canucks will make a significant trade this off-season. The organization can not afford to miss the playoffs for a second straight season, which may force Rutherford, Patrik Allvin and the rest of Vancouver's management group to pull off a blockbuster trade. If a trade does happen, do not be surprised if the Sabres are involved, as there are a few players who have been linked to the Canucks in the past.
Mar 19, 2024; Vancouver, British Columbia, CAN; Buffalo Sabres goalie Devon Levi (27) watches as defenseman Bowen Byram (4) stick checks Vancouver Canucks forward Brock Boeser (6) in the first period at Rogers Arena. Mandatory Credit: Bob Frid-Imagn Images
