Vancouver Canucks reveal they're open to trading veteran players except two untouchables
Photo credit: Edit from The Hockey News
The Canucks have announced they're open for business, willing to trade their veteran players, with everyone for the taking except for two untouchables, for now.
According to Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman, the Vancouver Canucks have started listening to offers on their veteran players. This group includes pending unrestricted free agents and several players with multiple years left on their deals.
While open to retooling, the organization has no intention of entering a full rebuild.
Friedman didn't speculate much on who could be moved, but he did make clear who won't be: Quinn Hughes and Filip Hronek. Beyond those two, the Canucks appear willing to consider options.
What is making things complicated for the Canucks
If Vancouver becomes a seller ahead of the deadline, their contract structure makes things complicated.
Ten of the 23 players on the active roster hold significant trade protection, and Conor Garland and Thatcher Demko will add no-movement clauses next season. That really leaves the team with a small pool of realistic trade chips.
The one piece that's probably most movable is Kiefer Sherwood. On a $1.5 million expiring deal, he's established himself as a bit of a playoff-style forward, recording 31 goals, 56 points, and 560 hits in 101 games with Vancouver.
Why Evander Kane is a very good trade candidate
Evander Kane can also be in play for contenders. He brings size and experience and recent deep playoff runs with Edmonton, though his $5.125 million cap hit and 16-team trade list limit flexibility.
If the Canucks indeed won't budge on guys with no-movement clauses and are steadfast in not moving Hughes or Hronek, there isn't much in terms of veterans with term that logically can be moved.
Drew O'Connor is one of the few pieces that fit all that criteria and could still yield something positive in return.
The heavy use of trade protection has boxed Vancouver in. They have pieces to retool with, but not many that meaningfully shift their long-term outlook.
| POLL | ||
NOVEMBRE 25 | 235 ANSWERS Vancouver Canucks reveal they're open to trading veteran players except two untouchables Should the Canucks make several trades this season and finally start a rebuild? | ||
| Yes | 218 | 92.8 % |
| No | 17 | 7.2 % |
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