The Vancouver Canucks have already made their mark in advance of the February 29th trade deadline and you get the sense they’re just getting started.

For the first time in over a decade, the Canucks are sellers. Or something resembling a seller, anyways. It’s a weird spot. On the one hand, it seems more  a matter of when than if for Radim Vrbata and Dan Hamhuis to find new homes. On the other, all signs point to this team looking to make a run at the playoffs.

It’s a tough path to navigate and it hasn’t been without its bumps along the road. Has me wondering what kind of a route the Canucks Army staff would take. So I asked them!

Today’s question: What is your dream trade going into the trade deadline? Be realistic.

Hamhuis  for Mattias Backman and 2nd round pick

Based on the comments of GM Jim Nill, I doubt the Stars will move Honka, Johns or Lindell, so Backman is the best defensive prospect after those three. Drafted by the Red Wings and then moved to the Stars at last deadline for Erik Cole, Backman just needs to play in the NHL. He is currently the third highest scoring defenceman on the Texas Stars (behind Lindell and Honka) and fits into the age group that Canucks management has been targeting. He would help Utica this year in the playoffs, then would come to camp and would likely be able to push for a top 6 spot.

The only issue for me is he is a pending RFA and is waiver eligible next year, so that would put the Canucks up to 8 defencemen who would require waivers next season. As we’ve seen in the past,  that doesn’t seem to be an issue for Canucks management and seems to not matter with the other rumoured prospects they are targeting.

The Kings need help on the blue line and the Canucks need to add to the prospect pool. Kempe isn’t ready to step into a full-time NHL gig just yet, but he’s not far off. Likely has another year in the AHL ahead of him, which is great, because the Comets are going to need the help this season and next. I’ve actually been able to follow Kempe relatively closely since his draft season. Been impressed with his strength on the puck and well-rounded two-way game. Very likely an NHL player at some point.