NHL: DEC 01 Canucks at Red Wings – Source: Getty

NHL insider Elliotte Friedman suggests the Pittsburgh Penguins could be a potential trade destination for Vancouver Canucks forward Nils Höglander.

Speaking on an episode of his 32 Thoughts podcast, Friedman noted Höglander’s difficulties securing ice time in Vancouver this season despite his $9 million contract extension signed in October 2024.

“He’s going through it right now in Vancouver,”Friedman said. “He’s struggling to get ice time. I think there are some teams that are very interested. I think Pittsburgh would be one of those teams, he’s signed and Pittsburgh makes a lot of sense.”

The Penguins currently sit in last place in the Metropolitan Division with a 10-12-4 record. Acquiring the 23-year-old Höglander could provide a spark for their struggling offense.

While he hasn’t quite lived up to expectations with the Vancouver Canucks after being drafted 40th overall in 2019, Höglander isn’t without upside. He’s coming off a 24-goal campaign last season and has shown flashes of top-six ability. Friedman points out a change of scenery could help unlock his potential again.

“You look at the players that Pittsburgh is collecting,” Friedman said. “Höglander fits it.”

He also thinks that Höglander’s skills would mesh well with the kind of players the Penguins have recently been interested in. This season, Pittsburgh brought in young forwards Philip Tomasino and Cody Glass, who were both seeking a chance to advance their careers.

Fans react to Elliotte Friedman linking Vancouver Canucks forward Nils Hoglander to Penguins

Elliotte Friedman’s speculation about the Pittsburgh Penguins’ interest in Nils Hoglander of the Vancouver Canucks has sparked a lot of reactions among fans on social media

One fan tweeted:

“Hoglander for Pittsburgh 2025 1st”

Another fan joked:

“Straight up for Crosby”

Here are some fan reactions:

“Just absolutely no reason for us to do that unless were getting a crazy return, 23 year year old 20+ goal scorer playing fourth line minutes last year on a great contract. If we trade him we’ve lost the plot” one fan wrote.

“Every player the pens are interested in the caps follow.” another fan wrote.

“I hope they move him while he has some value. Never been much of a fan. I acknowledge he had a good regular season last year but the rest of his resume is filled with inconsistency.” a user commented.

“Canucks will have to retain salary and would only expect a late pick back. His value is practically worthless due to his deployment this season.” another user wrote.

For now, fans will have to wait and see what unfolds.