Vancouver’s Rebuild Strategy on Display as TradeCentre Approaches
The Vancouver Canucks are navigating a rebuilding phase as they approach the NHL trade deadline. Following a recent roster freeze due to the Olympics, the team finds itself at the bottom of the league standings. Their strategy has shifted focus after trading star defenseman Quinn Hughes to the Minnesota Wild earlier this season.
Canucks’ Rebuild Strategy
According to Thomas Drance from The Athletic, the Canucks are “motivated sellers,” but they aren’t keen on moving veterans with longer contracts. Their primary objective is to gather draft capital for players who are nearing unrestricted free agency.
Potential Trades
- Evander Kane: The 34-year-old winger, who joined from the Edmonton Oilers, has scored nine goals and earned 25 points this season. With an expiring contract carrying a cap hit of $5.125 million, the Canucks may retain up to 50% of his salary to facilitate a trade.
- David Kampf: The 31-year-old has two goals and six points in 34 games after signing a one-year, $1.1 million deal following his exit from the Toronto Maple Leafs.
- Teddy Blueger: Also 31, he has been limited to 10 games due to injury and has posted five goals and eight points. He carries a cap hit of $1.8 million.
The Canucks hope to add young talent and bolster their center depth during the upcoming deadline.
Elias Pettersson’s Future
The future of center Elias Pettersson remains a topic of speculation. TSN Hockey Insider Darren Dreger revealed that there has been renewed interest in Pettersson’s availability. As of now, no formal trade offers have been made to the Canucks.
Pettersson has 13 goals and 34 points this season, having previously achieved three consecutive 30-goal seasons. He is under an eight-year, $92.8 million contract, inclusive of a full no-move clause that became effective in July.
Upcoming Games
The Canucks, trailing by 21 points from the final Western Conference wild-card position, will resume their season against the Winnipeg Jets on Wednesday.
Recent Trades and League News
In recent trade news, the New York Islanders acquired Matt Luff from the St. Louis Blues in exchange for Julien Gauthier. Luff has had limited NHL appearances this season, while Gauthier continues to look for opportunities to establish himself in the league.
Additionally, Philadelphia Flyers’ Rasmus Ristolainen is reportedly available for trade, although the Flyers are not in a hurry to move him. Dallas Stars might be a potential landing spot as they seek to strengthen their defense.
With the trade deadline looming, the Canucks and other teams are exploring options to make strategic moves that could influence their playoff aspirations.
