Trades. Other than EP or JTM
Trading Hoglander or Deharnias isn't going to get "the player" the Canucks need. There value just isn't high enough and in truth the Canucks aren't world beaters and if those guys aren't good enough here then all they are trading away is cap hits more than the return.
Neither player's absence will make an huge impact being part time guys right now.
Boeser on his last year of his contract before FA is a more major trade that could get the player they need. Defence, good ones are harder to find than wingers. That Boeser has scored 40 goals will excite a market. He could get the player they need not only for now but longer term and solidify a roster spot.
As far as replacing him, Horvat got 39 goals and then Boeser took his spot on the PP and got 40 goals. The team signed DeBrusk and he is on pace to score more than 30. All this shows is there are players that can put up 25+ goals if moved up a roster. There could be a few out there.
Suter, the Swiss army knife, another expiring contract, above Hogs and Deharnais' value but below Boeser's but not by much. His versatility might make him un-tradeable as far as the Canucks wanting to trade him.
IF trades are for the TODAY team then the future would included, prospects, possibly good future players that can't make an impact for a few years yet but some teams could take the time and save some cap hit. Obviously Willander and Lekkerimaki are the team's top prospects with higher value. IF trades are for today's team then they might have to be in play.
The team may find it too difficult to build for TODAY and two years in the future if management really believe this is the window NOW.
Garland might be value plus trade asset.
Are there trade partners? The playoff picture is solidifying pretty fast and the Canucks really don't want to help or trade with a direct competitor for a WC spot in the west.
Then depending upon who gets dealt there is the cap space to consider. Next year's cap increase and maybe more if the increase is only 5 mil, has already been used up in the buyouts.
Anything can be done if enough of the future is sacrificed.
I still think the best Boeser deal would include a RHD under cap control with maybe a high prospect or picks. Minnesota. Jiricek, RHD, 6' 4" at 975K and 23 yrs old. He would be an upgrade on some of the AHL dmen playing top 4 roles on the Canucks now, fit easily under the cap now and in the near future. A trade here would be a first step. It would help a competitor but it could be the best return now and longer term. Just an idea. NYR, Penns, CBJ, NYI ...
A Garland trade, there are eastern teams still close to a WC. But the Canucks aren't under the gun to move him.