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Canucks: What should fans make of the Sedins’ comments about acquiring draft picks?

Photo credit: © Bob Frid-Imagn Images

By Clarke Corsan

Nov 13, 2026, 11:15 EST

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On Thursday’s episode of West Coast Conversation, David Quadrelli and Harman Dayal discussed Daniel and Henrik Sedin’s comments about the Vancouver Canucks’ approach to acquiring draft picks, and what their answers might tell us about the organization’s rebuilding plans.

Quads said he still has some reservations about whether ownership will fully commit to a long-term rebuild, arguing that the organization’s actions will ultimately matter more than its messaging.

Quads: “I’ve said before that I obviously have my doubts with this ownership group that they’re going to commit to this long-term. They’ve said all the right things, even in trading Marcus Pettersson they’ve done the right things so far. My point has always been, let their actions do the talking. If you want to read into this and think they’re going to trade assets for players, that’s not how I read it.”

The conversation came after Henrik Sedin addressed the team’s approach to adding draft picks during Thursday’s press conference, explaining that the organization doesn’t want to unnecessarily sacrifice its current roster simply to accumulate more selections.

Henrik Sedin: “You can’t just add picks, you have to build your team with players as well. There’s a constant dialogue between us and RJ and the staff, and we’re looking daily to improve our team, there’s no question. We’re looking at all players. But again, we’re not going to just trade away players to get more draft picks, because you still need a better product on the ice and guys to support our young guys coming in.”

Harm agreed that the Canucks can’t rely exclusively on trading veterans for draft picks, but stressed that adding selections still needs to be a priority as they build for the future.

Harm: “There’s some nuance here. I agree you can’t solely rely on trading all your vets away for draft picks, completely burning it down for the best return possible, because that’s just not practical. Especially with some of these vets who won’t have enough trade value for it to be worth it.

“On the other hand, we can acknowledge that for this rebuild to work, adding draft picks still needs to be a priority. That answer from the Sedins doesn’t make me think they’re done adding draft picks. It’s more that it’s not going to be their sole focus, which is fine. And again, I’m more curious to see what the actions reinforce.”

Harm also pointed to the difference between the current management group’s messaging and what Canucks fans heard during the Jim Benning era, when the organization was reluctant to openly acknowledge the need for a rebuild.

Harm: “I understand why some would hear that and relate it to the Jim Benning era, where they never added picks, but the overall tone of the press conference is different. This organization is well aware they’re rebuilding, as opposed to ten years ago when they were afraid to say the word itself.

“Even the Marcus Pettersson trade, a guy they didn’t need to move, for a first-round pick shows they’re willing to prioritize picks. I’d be more worried about this if we had a summer where they didn’t make any moves.”

Quads added that the organization’s focus on improving the current roster doesn’t necessarily mean it’s looking to accelerate the rebuild or make moves that don’t fit its longer-term plans. He pointed to the recent waiver claim of Cameron Crotty as an example of addressing a roster need without making a significant commitment.

Quads: “The message of ‘We’re looking to improve this team and make it better,’ as long as that doesn’t involve shortcuts or accelerating too quickly, is good. I think of a guy like Cameron Crotty, who they just claimed off waivers because they looked at Mancini and it wasn’t working. Rotating in and out of the press box, getting killed on the penalty kill all the time, that’s not conducive to a winning environment or player development.”

“I don’t see them making age-gap trades or giving up a fifth to get someone who can help on the penalty kill. They’re going to look at opportunities where it still fits their timeline and broader vision. Let the actions do the talking, because you can interpret their words however you want to fit whatever narrative you’ve created.”

You can watch the full segment here.