Report: Vancouver Canucks Taking Trade Offers on 'Veterans'
The Vancouver Canucks are open for business, and they're looking to get younger.
Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman reported on Monday night that the Canucks are listening to trade offers on their veteran players. Friedman also pointed out that at this time, the Canucks don't see trading captain Quinn Hughes a priority.
According to several sources, the Vancouver Canucks have let it be known that — in an effort to get younger — they are willing to listen to offers on “veteran players.” The obvious question is: Does this mean Quinn Hughes? I’m told the answer is no, at this time. “They’ve made it clear (trading him) is not their priority right now,” one executive said. (Filip Hronek is another player teams feel is unlikely to go anywhere.)
What it does appear to mean is potential UFAs and potentially a player or two with term, but the Canucks have also indicated they do not desire to tear it right down to the studs. This action is noteworthy because of Jim Rutherford’s track record. Historically, once he decides to act, he does not wait. His resume is full of moves consummated well before the trade deadline.
Canucks trade candidates include Jake DeBrusk, who owns a no-movement clause and is signed through the 2030-31 season at $5.5 million AAV. Veteran winger Evander Kane is a pending free agent, making $5.1 million AAV, and Kane owns a 16-team approved team list.
Kiefer Sherwood is another forward to keep an eye on as he's also a pending free agent and is going to draw a lot of attention for his style of play. Sherwood's a bang-and-crasher, who has been streaky the past couple of seasons finding the back of the net in bunches.
The big story though is Hughes, who the organization knows is not going to re-sign in July. Hughes is all but set to join the New Jersey Devils as soon as he's a free agent, so the Canucks would be best suited to move him while his trade value is still sky high, and he doesn't own any trade protection.
Keep an eye on the Canucks, multiple trades on the way.
Photo credit Simon Fearn-Imagn Images
