In the middle of the third period of the game between the Canucks and the Oilers, the Canucks made a trade:

It felt like it was only a matter of time that the Canucks moved Del Zotto after he had been a regular healthy scratch for the last few weeks. With the Ducks also struggling over the last few weeks, they were a motivated team to make a deal.

The Luke Schenn will report directly to the Utica Comets and the Canucks add a 2020 7th round pick to their stable of draft picks.

The Canucks were needing to make a move to free up a roster spot to activate Elias Pettersson from IR, and by moving Del Zotto out and adding Schenn, who was already in the AHL, they are able to accomplish this. Not to mention, Schenn should be able to help the Comets defensive group. Furthermore, when injuries hit, Schenn could be an option in the latter parts of the season.

The organization was able to squeeze a late round pick and a depth defenceman out of a situation that could’ve ended with them needing to waive someone. Schenn is a pending unrestricted free agent with a cap hit of $800,000.

The Canucks are retaining 25% of Del Zotto’s remaining salary.