Evening Notes: Blueger, Fowler, McKenna
By Bradley Keith (https://www.prohockeyrumors.com/author/bradley-keith) | February 10, 2026
The Vancouver Canucks are reportedly setting a high bar for negotiations with potential rental center Teddy Blueger, as per Thomas Drance's article in The Athletic. Blueger, 31, missed a significant portion of the season due to an undisclosed injury but has been on a scoring streak since his return on January 21, amassing five points in his last five games. Despite never surpassing 28 points in a single campaign, Blueger's penalty-killing prowess and $1.8MM cap hit make him a valuable asset, especially in a thin center market. The Canucks acquired him as a free agent, and it's unlikely they'll part ways for less than what they received from Pittsburgh for him three years ago.
The spotlight will be on Blueger as he leads Team Latvia at the Olympic Games, showcasing his skills against elite competition. This opportunity will likely boost his trade value, given the Canucks' current ranking and the demand for his services.
In other league news:
- Montreal Canadiens' top goalie prospect, Jacob Fowler, will miss the AHL All-Star festivities due to an upper-body injury, as announced by the Laval Rocket. Fowler, 21, has been a steal, drafted in the third round of the 2023 draft from Boston College. With a .914 save percentage, he's the fourth-best in the AHL and a key player for the sixth-ranked Rocket. Despite his early success, Fowler has already made 10 appearances with the big club this season, demonstrating his potential.
- Top 2026 draft prospect Gavin McKenna is set to return this weekend, according to Brad Elliott Schlossman of the Grand Forks Herald. NHL scouts were informed that McKenna, a Penn State star, will play in a crucial matchup between two top-five ranked Big 10 teams, Michigan. February has been eventful for McKenna, starting with an arrest and felony aggravated assault charges, which were later withdrawn. He now faces a misdemeanor charge, but with a court date postponed, he can focus on his hockey.
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