Vancouver Canucks exploring changes as trade climate heats up, per Chris Johnston
The Canucks are exploring roster changes, as NHL insider Chris Johnston revealed that things are heating up, with Montreal and Toronto also in the mix.
According to Chris Johnston of The Athletic, Vancouver, Montreal, and Toronto are all thinking of ways to mix and match their rosters. But even though he thinks the trade market is trending toward more activity, it still needs time to fully open.
"We've seen teams like Vancouver, Montreal, Toronto, some of these teams are looking to shake things up a little bit; I do think the conditions are getting a little bit more ripe for deals to happen; it's still a little bit more time."
- Chris Johnston
- Chris Johnston
The player that coud be available for the Canucks
One of the names that he mentioned recently is veteran defenceman Justin Faulk.
The St Louis Blues are among the cellar teams in the Western Conference, and general manager Doug Armstrong may be compelled to make serious roster changes.
The 33-year-old Faulk is considered one of the probable trade candidates in the midst of the season.
Faulk has one year remaining on his deal at a $6.5 million cap hit and possesses a 15-team no-trade list. Through 20 games, he's accumulated 10 points while logging major minutes in all situations.
Johnston expects the Blues' continued struggles to push the situation toward a deal. A right-shot, top-four blueliner who can play both sides of the puck, Faulk might be the most impactful defenceman available on the market.
Why the Canucks could use a guy like Justin Faulk
He could be particularly appealing to teams like Vancouver, whose defensive metrics have been among the league's worst this season and may seek stability.
Faulk isn't the only sought-after Blues player. There is also interest in Brayden Schenn and Pavel Buchnevich, and goaltender Jordan Binnington could appear in trade conversations, particularly as Joel Hofer develops into a long-term option.
St. Louis does look like it's reaching a crossroads, and with its continued slide, Faulk could headline one of the biggest trades of the season.
| POLL | ||
NOVEMBRE 19 | 176 ANSWERS Vancouver Canucks exploring changes as trade climate heats up, per Chris Johnston Will the Canucks make a trade shortly? | ||
| Yes | 133 | 75.6 % |
| No | 43 | 24.4 % |
| List of polls | ||