There are many factors one can look at to determine why the Vancouver Canucks find themselves in the position that they are in.

Whether that be injury, new systems, trades they were forced to make, or roster construction, the Canucks find themselves dead last and diving headfirst toward a rebuild.

Coming into the season, the Canucks front office admitted that it would be expensive to acquire a second line centre, but it might be even more expensive if they don’t. That statement came true: some of the price tags were too rich for the Canucks’ blood, whether that be in the trade market or free agency.

Even in free agency, it was reported Christian Dvorak turned down a multi-year contract worth around $12 million with the Canucks, only to sign a one-year, prove-it contract with the Philadelphia Flyers. Even with the guaranteed opportunity to play down the middle, higher in the lineup, with more guaranteed money, it did not entice Dvorak enough to come to Vancouver.

But Dvorak isn’t the only one: it seems more and more that players prefer to play in the USA – even Canadians.

Canucks President of Hockey Operations Jim Rutherford joined Darren Millard on the 100% Hockey Podcast and discussed the type of demographic he’s found chooses Vancouver in free agency:

“I wouldn’t say all Canadian players, I would say more players from Western Canada or from British Columbia have expressed interest in being here,” Rutherford said. “And the European players like Vancouver. I think Vancouver reminds them a little bit of home, some of the European cities.”

Looking through the Canucks’ roster, the cupboards are pretty bare when it comes to Canadian talent. As of this writing, Jake DeBrusk, Evander Kane, Tyler Myers and PO Joseph are the only Canadians on the roster. And if the trade rumours materialize, that list could get to as short as Joseph by next Friday’s Trade Deadline.

While Rutherford is going to continue to bring in players to help the team regardless of demographic, he acknowledges the lack of home-grown talent and would prefer to have more Canadians on the team:

“We would love to have more Canadian players. I’ll make that very clear. But if there’s a player, from whatever country in the world that can come contribute to the Vancouver Canucks, we’re going after that player. At this point in time, when I look at our team, I’d like to see us have more Canadian players on it.”

It’s going to be a busy next few months for Rutherford and the rest of Canucks brass. Whether it be through the trade market or at the NHL Draft, Rutherford will have plenty of opportunities to address that issue and bring in more Canadian players and prospects.