The NHL offseason is barely a whisper away, and the Vancouver Canucks are already a team circled on many insiders’ maps as one to watch for significant moves. General Manager Patrik Allvin has been vocal about wanting to take the next step, and that often means aggressive plays in the trade market. One name consistently bubbling to the surface in connection with the Canucks is Dallas Stars forward Mason Marchment, a player who could bring a much-needed blend of sandpaper and skill to Vancouver’s top-nine.
The speculation isn’t unfounded. Esteemed Canucks insider Thomas Drance of The Athletic recently identified Marchment as a prime trade target for Vancouver as they look to augment their forward corps. It’s a link that, on the surface, holds a considerable amount of water.
Why Mason Marchment Makes Sense for Vancouver (And Dallas)
My take: Marchment would be an interesting, and potentially impactful, option for the Canucks. The Dallas Stars are undeniably facing a cap crunch as they head into the summer of 2025. They have several key roster spots to fill with limited financial flexibility, making a player like Marchment, who carries a $4.5 million AAV, a conceivable cap casualty. The forward, who will turn 30 this June, is a versatile presence capable of playing wing and, in a pinch, center. He’s precisely the type of player who embodies “playing with an edge” – a characteristic the Canucks have actively sought to instill throughout their lineup. He’s aggressive on the forecheck, unafraid to go to the dirty areas, and possesses a knack for getting under the opponent’s skin, all while having the skill to contribute offensively, as evidenced by his strong underlying numbers and point production when healthy.
However, the situation isn’t without its complexities. Marchment is entering the final year of his contract and is due to become an Unrestricted Free Agent in the summer of 2026. Any move for a player of his caliber, especially one that would likely involve parting with valuable assets, would ideally come with some assurance of an extension. The Canucks’ brass would need to gauge Marchment’s interest in a longer-term commitment to Vancouver before pulling the trigger. Without it, they risk acquiring a one-year rental, which might not align with their broader competitive window.
From Dallas’s perspective, moving Marchment, while losing a valuable player, would provide immediate and significant cap relief. This would allow them to address other roster needs, potentially re-sign younger assets, or pursue different types of players in free agency. While Marchment has been an effective player for them, the hard realities of a flat-cap world often force contending teams into these difficult decisions.
The Price of Grit: What Would Marchment Cost the Canucks?
Acquiring a player like Mason Marchment won’t come cheap, even with the Stars’ cap considerations. He’s a proven top-nine forward who can move up the lineup when needed and brings an element many teams covet, especially come playoff time. The Canucks would likely need to part with a combination of a second-round draft pick and possibly a prospect. The exact return would depend on how much salary, if any, Dallas is willing to retain (though the primary motivation for Dallas would be shedding the full cap hit) and the number of teams interested in Marchment’s services.
His style of play – a power forward who can agitate and score – is a rare commodity. He finished the 2024-25 season with an impressive 22 goals and 47 points, along with 53 penalty minutes in 62 games, showcasing that dual threat. While his penalty minute totals can sometimes be a concern, he also draws his fair share of calls, often frustrating opponents into taking retaliatory infractions. For a Canucks team that sometimes struggled to find consistent secondary scoring and a physical edge beyond a few key players, Marchment could be a significant addition to their middle-six, providing both offensive punch and a deterrent factor.
The key for Vancouver will be balancing the acquisition cost with the potential for an extension. If they see Marchment as a core piece for the next few seasons, the price becomes more palatable. If not, the risk of him walking after one season looms large. This is where Allvin and his team will need to do their due diligence, not just on the player’s on-ice fit, but also on his long-term intentions. The “Mason Marchment rumors” are certainly ones to watch as the 2025 NHL Draft and free agency approach.
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