Some distressed players that the Vancouver Canucks could target for their rebuild
Harman Dayal and Thomas Drance of The Athletic: Although it may not be needed as much as it did during the flat cap era, there could be some players that have a salary and term left on their contracts that their current club wouldn’t mind moving. The Canucks should be eyeing the extra asset that might be attached to sweeten the pot.
Warren Foegele – Left Wing – Los Angeles Kings – (written before Kevin Fiala was lost for the season) A year left at $3.5 million and a season removed from 24 goals. Could acquire and sell at the deadline next year. Canucks could sell high on Drew O’Connor and replace with Foegele.
Ryan Strome – Center – Anaheim Ducks – Has another season at $5 million and has been healthy scratched. A natural center with no trade protection. The Ducks don’t have any cap issues to worry about, so may not attach much, if anything. What about Strome and a mid-round pick for Teddy Blueger?
Barrett Hayton – Center – Utah Mammoth – His role has diminished, and the pending RFA has arbitration rights this offseason. He’d get interest from around the league is he’s made available, so for the Canucks to land him, he’d have to be a part of a bigger trade, maybe Elias Pettersson or Jake DeBrusk.
Andrew Mangiapane – Left Wing – Edmonton Oilers – The Oilers will need to move his $3.6 million for one more year if they want to add anyone at the deadline. Could cost a third-round pick to move the contract.
Oliver Bjorkstrand – Right Wing – Tampa Bay Lightning – On pace for 15 goals and 40 points, but more was expected at a $5.4 million cap hit and getting top power-play time. The Lightning don’t have much cap space to work with, and if they’re able to add someone that is a difference maker, they may need to move out salary.
Some prospects that the Vancouver Canucks could target for their rebuild
Harman Dayal and Thomas Drance of The Athletic: The Vancouver Canucks have pending UFAs Teddy Blueger, Evander Kane and David Kampf to trade before the deadline. Fans are hoping a veteran player with term is also moved.
Sources have said that the Canucks aren’t thinking that they can just turn things around the draft picks. They’ll also be looking to trade market for reclamation projects or veteran distressed assets. They’ll also be looking at some young players to help with their rebuild.
Dominic James and Conor Geekie – Centers – Tampa Bay Lightning – If the Lightning won’t move James since he’s been able to hold a roster spot this year, maybe they’d move Geekie, who could be a middle-six forward.
Jiri Kulich – Center – Buffalo Sabres – The Sabres have a wave of young forwards of similar age, which makes it hard to find an opportunity for all of them. Out indefinitely with blood clots this season, and possibly passed on the depth charts, could make him expendable for the Sabres who are looking to add.
Ivan Miroshnichenko – LW – Washington Capitals – He’s been passed on the prospect depth charts, and the Caps are deep on the left side. His game is something the Canucks could use.
Jared Wright – RW – Los Angeles Kings – Rookie AHL season. Has produced well, but not at a star level. Could be a solid third-line player. Instead of a draft pick for say, Evander Kane with salary retained, the Canucks ask for Wright.
Carter Bear – LW – Detroit Red Wings – 2025 13th overall last year. The Red Wings, if looking to make a big splash, may prefer to move Bear over Nate Danielson or Axel Sandin-Pellikka.
Max Curran – C – Colorado Avalanche – Avs don’t have a lot of assets left in the system after years of going for it. They may be interested in adding depth at the deadline. He’s an intriguing long-term project after being drafted in the 5th round of the 2024 draft.
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