The Vancouver Canucks are reportedly calling teams around the NHL in the hunt to acquire a top-four defenceman and also a winger. This comes after president of hockey operations Jim Rutherford said over the weekend that the Canucks “need to add a couple players” in order to contend.
NHL insider Darren Dreger joined Sekeres and Price to talk about the latest that he’s hearing surrounding the Canucks’ desires on the trade market, which he believes to be a winger and a centre.
Additionally, on Thursday’s edition of Early Insider Trading, TSN’s Pierre LeBrun was asked by host Gino Reda what the Canucks are trying to do in the trade market, given they will likely be buyers. He noted that the team wants to find some depth at the position because they felt it has been lacking since Filip Hronek got injured.
”They’re making their calls and word is getting around when you talk to sources around the league about what the Canucks are calling about.And certainly A top need has been identified: a top four D. That’s one. That’s certainly the top item for the Vancouver Canucks, but also a winger. So they’re looking for for both in talking to sources around the league.“Listen, the top four D is not surprising. Obviously, the team hasn’t been the same since Hronek has gone down with an injury. He’s out long term. Now he is going to be back obviously before the another regular season, but despite that the Canucks are intent in trying to go trade for a top four D. They feel they need the depth there.“The one thing about the Vancouver Canucks: Jim Rutherford’s the president of hockey and Patrick Allvin is the GM. Jim Rutherford’s tradition and desire of trying to trade way ahead of the deadline is well established and last year on January 31st, they got ahead of the market on Elias Lindholm and traded for him that early. It certainly wouldn’t surprise me if the Canucks are able to go find a top four D and or a winger, that they get this done sooner rather than later. Obviously, it has to fit cap wise, it has to fit fit wise, but the Canucks are certainly making their calls. I think by now they, they understand what their team is through the ups and downs they’ve had this year. And I think they’re ready to act here if they can get that done.”
Canucks fans know from last season that the team will want to get ahead of their business as soon as possible if they find a player that fits their needs and their price point. Elias Lindholm was one of them, and they also made a trade to acquire Nikita Zadorov a few months earlier when he requested a trade out of Calgary.
It makes sense that Rutherford and Allvin are looking to improve their backend, given reports have emerged this week that the team is actively shopping Vincent Desharnais due to him not quite working out with the team. His $2 million AAV would have to be included in any potential deal that gets them the desired piece they seek given they currently sit with just under $2 million in cap space at the time of filing.
Now there is no shortage of options for the Canucks to consider, including Ivan Provorov, who is on an expiring contract and would be a boost to the lineup, even if he is a left-shot. LeBrun noted in his report that there is still a chance the Russian blueliner could be dealt, but he noted that his younger brother is committed to Ohio State, and with the two being close, it adds a wrinkle into the prospects of his availability.
The Canucks could also use some depth on the wings to help ease the pressure off the younger guys so they can focus on their development. Drew O’Connor has been listed on trade target boards a lot this season and is having a respectable season with the Pittsburgh Penguins so far, making him someone the Canucks may be keeping their eyes on for winger depth.
All of which is to say that Rutherford and Allvin are eager to make a move and could soon be pulling the trigger on a deal should the stars align. The only question that remains is who exactly they will be getting and when it gets done.
You can watch the full segment down below:
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