In case you haven’t heard, there was a pretty big trade last week. It just so happened to involve the Vancouver Canucks, too.

Canucks general manager Jim Benning acquired Erik Gudbranson and a fifth round selection in exchange for Jared McCann and a pair of draft picks — 33rd and 93rd overall. We haven’t necessarily shone a positive light on the trade in this space, though I’d argue we have every reason to feel the way we do. That isn’t to say everyone isn’t entitled to their opinions, though.

In fact, I’m curious to hear yours. Would you pull the trigger on this trade? If so, why? Are there any alterations you would make to the trade — try to be realistic, please.

Last week I asked: Would you rather the Canucks pursue Kris Russell in free agency than re-sign Dan Hamhuis?

Trade for Tyson Barrie’s rights and spend the $4M-$5M per year on him.

Hamhuis is old, breaking down but would be fine on the 3rd pairing with Sbisa (yes, I think Tryamkin and Hutton should be the second). He’d be a good teacher, great mentor since Edler speaks one word a month, Tanev is slowly morphing into some kind of swamp creature (though an excellent d-man) and the rest are very young.

Russell has been objectively terrible basically his whole career. Flames did a great job of showcasing him and raising his value (all the things we DIDN’T do with Hamhuis and Vrbata). Dallas learned the lesson in going for Russell rather than Hamhuis now we should too.

If Hamhuis comes in around 4-5 I’d definitely resign him.

Russell (and Demers) were badly exposed by St. Louis. If the Dallas Stars had a do-over, they’d take Hamhuis. The Canucks should too.

So, Botchford thinks the Canucks would be better off signing Russell over Hamhuis. Just goes to show that if you get paid to talk about the Canucks it doesn’t necessarily mean you know what you’re talking about.

Hamhuis doesn’t do anything great but overall he is very good. He has the talent and skills to be a very good 2nd pairing D-Man or can be very good on the 3rd pair. He would be good paired up with Hutton so the latter can utilize his offensive skills while Hamhuis covers for him. However, his true value will be as a mentor to the younger D Man. If the price and term is right I would resign him.

Hamhuis, no question. For third pairing. Now that our top four looks to shake out as Edler/Tanev, Hutton/Gudbranson and hopefully Groot grabs the third Right spot. Everybody (including Hamhuis it would seem) has been saying he would take a home-town discount. The 3.6 mil Sbisa’s getting should do the trick. With two moves and a rubber-stamp resigning the D looks much improved (not an abundance of potential offence but should keep the GA down and push play a little better).

Sbisa for a bag of pucks, some used lottery tickets and a bus tour of Historic Schenectady would qualify as acceptable asset management at this point to make it happen.