In a move that could reshape the Canucks’ top-six forward group, Nick Schmaltz has emerged as a potential second-line center (2C) — and fans have reason to be excited. While no deal has been confirmed yet, buzz around this possibility is picking up steam, and it’s easy to see why: Schmaltz offers scoring, playmaking, and some much-needed versatility down the middle.
At $5.85 million AAV, Schmaltz brings solid value. He’s averaged around 20 goals and 40 assists per season, production that fits well behind Elias Pettersson or J.T. Miller, depending on how the Canucks choose to line up their forwards. The idea of having a legitimate offensive threat at 2C — someone who can tilt the ice while holding his own defensively — could give Vancouver the balance they’ve lacked in recent seasons.
Schmaltz, a 2014 first-round pick (20th overall) by the Chicago Blackhawks, has matured into a reliable top-six forward during his time with the Arizona Coyotes. His quick hands, hockey IQ, and passing ability are his calling cards. While he isn’t as defensively refined as someone like Josh Norris, Schmaltz brings more consistent offensive results — and perhaps more importantly, he has chemistry with Quinn Hughes off the ice, which could translate to locker room synergy.
“Not as clean with Hughes as Norris is,” one insider noted, “but there’s real trust there.”
That connection matters. The Canucks have been carefully curating their locker room culture under GM Patrik Allvin and President Jim Rutherford. Hughes, now a clear leader on the team, having a say in these potential additions speaks volumes.
From a cap perspective, $5.85M might seem steep, but compared to current market rates for productive top-six forwards, it’s a reasonable gamble — especially if Schmaltz stays healthy and hits his usual numbers.
If this move becomes a reality, it would represent one of the most encouraging developments for Canucks fans this offseason — a middle-six stabilizer who can produce, fit the system, and support the core
