Photo credit: NHL/Vancouver Canucks
A National Hockey League insider has revealed what he thinks the Vancouver Canucks need to accomplish prior to the trade deadline in a little over two weeks.
“But prior to this, we already made the decision that we were going to go with younger players. Over the past few years, our staff has done a good job and we have a number of good young players, whether they’re in our lineup now or close to getting in our lineup. And those players are going to get a chance to play. Based on the circumstances with this team, this is the year to do it. The fact of the matter is we’re in a rebuild.” Jim Rutherford said.
The way they approach this trade deadline will play a big role in whether or not the rebuild is successful, with one NHL insider sharing that he thinks the Vancouver Canucks need to do prior to Noon PT on Friday, March 6th.
NHL insider reveals what Vancouver Canucks need to do before trade deadline
As the Canucks have made known to teams around the league, they’re open for business and want to part ways with all of their pending unrestricted free agents, if possible, including former Stanley Cup champion Teddy Blueger and nine-time 20-goal scorer Evander Kane.
“Kämpf’s defensive results are genuinely excellent this season, although he offers very little offensively (and less than Blueger) despite his recent run of production at the Olympic tournament. Blueger is the more credible top-nine option of the two forwards, and the more reliable penalty killer and should be expected to have somewhat more trade value.” Drance said.
Vancouver’s second biggest priority, according to Drance, will be to move Evander Kane, a task that might be tough despite a number of teams showing interest in him, a list that reportedly includes the Boston Bruins, Colorado Avalanche, Dallas Stars, Los Angeles Kings and Tampa Bay Lightning.
Beyond moving those three, Drance also says the Canucks should try to open up some contract slots, with 48 of 50 currently occupied, in order to sign an NCAA free agent or two, with the collegiate season slowly starting to wind down as the Frozen Four is just 50 days away.
The final priority mentioned is, if they can, get creative and find a way to bring in future assets, which Patrik Allvin should be able to do partly by trading their pending unrestricted free agents, although he is urged not to stop there.
With 16 days until the National Hockey League’s trade deadline and five days until the Olympic roster freeze is lifted, the Vancouver Canucks are going to be quite busy and hopefully, the club will walk away after March 6th in a better position in terms of their future than they are at the moment.
Previously on Vancouver Hockey Daily