The Canucks have acquired the 9th overall pick in the 2013 NHL draft in exchange, straight up, for goaltender Cory Schneider.

They then used that pick to reach and select London Knights forward Bo Horvat.

The Canucks had decided mid-week to deal Cory Schneider rather than Roberto Luongo, who had proven impossible to move over the past fourteen months. Patching up the club’s relationship with Luongo will now take center stage, presumably, this summer.

Cory Schneider is a very safe bet to be an average NHL starter for the New Jersey Devils, and he’s got a good shot at being a well above average NHL goalie with an outside shot of projecting as a true star. Cory Schneider will now take on the pressure of succeeding Martin Brodeur in New Jersey, and perhaps the Devils Hall of Famer can teach him a thing or two about handling the puck…

What a twist…