As the Vancouver Canucks approach the 2019 NHL Trade Deadline—February 25, for those keeping score at home—the organization finds itself in a difficult position. The team is very much in the hunt for a playoff position, and that probably precludes GM Jim Benning from doing much—if any—selling off of assets. At the same time, the Canucks are kilometres away from competing for the Stanley Cup, so it also doesn’t make sense for them to be buyers at the

A possible middle ground can be found in a true Jim Benning classic—reclamation projects. With the development of Bo Horvat, Brock Boeser, and Elias Pettersson—along with the imminent arrival of Quinn Hughes—the franchise is starting to approach the period in which young, NHL-ready players might be more valuable to the rebuild than draft picks.

In the latest edition of Immodest Proposals we’ll be highlighting some potential reclamation projects around the league that might be available at the deadline—or in the offseason—for relatively cheap.

Jim Benning’s propensity for acquiring reclamation projects is near-legendary, so we know exactly what we’re looking for here. Like Sven Baertschi, Markus Granlund, and Nikolay Goldobin—but also like Derrick Pouliot and Linden Vey—a reclamation project should be a formerly highly-touted player between the ages of 20 and 23 that has yet to make an impact at the NHL level and has seen their development stall because of it. Players nearing the end of their waiver exemption are particularly attainable.

The exchange rate for such players has traditionally been draft picks or similar prospects. With the 2019 NHL Entry Draft located in Vancouver, there’s little chance of Benning dealing any 2019 picks—so, for simplicity’s sake, we’ll set a price of a 2020 2^nd Round Pick and throw in a 5^th to compensate for the later date where necessary.

The Canucks seem to be set on adding picks for the 2019 draft instead of dealing them, and that’s definitely the right idea. Beyond 2019, however, the strategy may start to shift. The ascension of Elias Pettersson has kicked the rebuild into overdrive, and it’s conceivable that the franchise could be a contender as early as 2021. Prospects drafted in 2020 or later will probably not hit the big leagues for a few years thereafter, and so they won’t be available to contribute when the team starts competing in the playoffs. Hence, the need for players that are further along on their development curve.

It’s not to say that draft picks aren’t important and valuable, or that they should be thrown away for waiver bait. Instead, we’re arguing that if Benning and his staff identify a reclamation project that they believe in elsewhere in the league—and if that player is available to be traded for draft picks beyond 2019—they should pull the trigger and add a potentially important piece for the 2020/21 season.

With the current depth chart in mind, we’ll give preference to left wingers and right-handed defensemen, but won’t focus on them exclusively.

This time around, we’re opening the field to any and all NHL teams. After all, organizations trade away underperforming youngsters for a multitude of reasons, so such deals are often unpredictable. Some of these players may be available, and others may not.

Unlike some of the other names on this list, Heinen has already made a significant impact at the NHL level with 47 points in 77 games last season. However, since then he’s found himself embroiled in a hideous sophomore slump and bypassed by several other forwards on the Boston depth chart. If the Bruins add a forward or two at the deadline, they could look to jettison Heinen—and with a hometown of Langley, he’s a natural fit for the Canucks.

Greer makes the list because he’s big, tough, and can score from the left wing—meaning he might just be a future running mate for Elias Pettersson and Brock Boeser. Greer is dominating at the AHL level but has been unable to crack the Avalanche roster despite their need for offensive depth. Aside from Jonah Gadjovich, this is the type of player that the organization currently lacks—and having someone who can keep up with Pettersson while simultaneously providing intimidation could prove rather valuable in the playoffs.

Jost is both the youngest player on this list and tied for the highest draft position, and thus he’s also probably the most unattainable. Despite receiving solid opportunities with the Avalanche, Jost has struggled to find consistency at the pro level—and his formerly explosive offensive talents now only show up in spurts. Injuries have also been a factor for Jost. He’s a longshot to be available, but there’s a chance he might hit the market as Colorado gears up for the playoffs.

Honka would fill a need on the right side of the Canucks’ defense, but his NHL development hasn’t been very smooth. Having lost his waiver exemption this year, Honka has been stuck in the Dallas pressbox for large chunks of the season and his development has stalled as a result. While he hasn’t put up numbers in the NHL as of yet, he’s consistently demonstrated ample offensive talent in lower leagues—and a fresh start could unlock it.

 

Nichushkin was the player drafted immediately after Bo Horvat and a large portion of the fanbase was livid over the Canucks decision to take Horvat—not that such opinions have aged particularly well. Nichushkin’s return to the NHL from a stint in Russia has been nothing short of disastrous, but he’s still just 23 years old and blessed with a bounty of size and skill. Maybe a change of scenery is all he needs.

Between Brendan Leipsic and Josh Leivo, Benning apparently has a thing for failed Maple Leafs forwards, and Bracco might be next on the list. Despite consistently scoring at every level he’s played at, Bracco has yet to dress for an NHL game thanks to Toronto’s preposterous depth at forward—and it’s conceivable that the situation won’t be changing anytime soon. He could look good on Bo Horvat’s right side.

After a long and noteworthy career with the Kelowna Rockets that culminated in dominant performances at the World Juniors and Memorial Cup in 2015, Bowey has struggled to make the transition to pro hockey. Without waiver exemption, he’s found himself spending lengthy stints in the Washington pressbox—and flashes of his previous offensive talent are rare. That being said, that talent is still in there somewhere, and Bowey’s blend of size and skill could make him a good future partner for Quinn Hughes.