Breaking: Vancouver Canucks Trade Zack MacEwen to Kraken for Two Second-Round Picks; More Deals on the Horizon
The Vancouver Canucks have made their first move in what is expected to be a busy trade deadline season, swapping forward Zack MacEwen to the Seattle Kraken for a pair of second-round picks. While the return may not include a first-round pick, GM Patrik Allvin insists the deal is a solid one, offloading an expiring contract for valuable draft capital in the Canucks’ ongoing rebuild.
However, with the trade deadline looming, the Canucks are far from done. Allvin hints at more deals on the horizon, as the team looks to move other pending unrestricted free agents and higher-priced veterans to bolster their prospect pool and draft picks. Notable names in play include Conor Garland, Jake DeBrusk, Brock Boeser, and Filip Hronek, although trade protection and performance this season may impact their value. Additionally, pending UFAs Evander Kane and depth forwards like Drew O’Connor, Teddy Blueger, and David Kampf could provide additional returns. Stay tuned as the Canucks continue to shape their roster ahead of the trade deadline.
Headline: Canucks Trade Sherwood: What’s Next as Vancouver Embraces Rebuild Mode?
Opportunity Knocks for the Vancouver Canucks
In a move that, while underwhelming for some, signals the Canucks’ commitment to their rebuild, they’ve traded away forward Troy Stecher to the Nashville Predators, fetching a couple of second-round picks in return. It’s a solid deal for general manager Patrik Allvin, who acknowledges that the team isn’t done making trades yet.
A Rebuild in Progress
With the Canucks missing the playoffs, Allvin has made it clear that the team is open for business. They’ve already moved an expiring UFA in Stecher, but the real test lies ahead. Many of their key players are underperforming this season, and there’s trade protection to navigate. So, who could Vancouver realistically move to attract a fair price?
Top-Tier Talent on the Block
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Filip Hronek: A legit top-pairing right-shot defenseman, Hronek’s leadership has been praised this season. However, with his contract and the scarcity of top-pair right-handed D-men, the Canucks might require a ‘blow-away’ offer to part ways.
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Conor Garland: His current contract has no trade protection, and he’s already got an extension attached for next season and beyond. But, the slight raise and long-term commitment might decrease the number of interested teams.
Potential Trades on the Horizon
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Jake DeBrusk and Brock Boeser: Both have struggled this season but could still attract suitors, especially if they agree to waive their full no-move clauses. DeBrusk might be more likely to do so, given his expectations when he signed with the Canucks.
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Evander Kane: Another expiring contract that could fetch a return for Vancouver if they retain some of his salary. Notably, Kane wants to stay in Vancouver long-term, making a trade less likely but not impossible.
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Drew O’Connor, Teddy Blueger, and David Kampf: Depth forwards who, while unlikely to secure high returns, could still bring in late-round picks or open roster spots for younger players.
The Future Looks Bright (with More Picks)
Now that Stecher is gone, the Canucks’ rebuild rolls on. To secure more futures, they need to start moving off some of their significant pieces. Guys like DeBrusk, Garland, Boeser, Hronek, and even Elias Pettersson could bring in valuable assets and draft picks.
Did you know? The last time the Canucks had three picks in the second round or later was in the 2015 NHL Draft, where they selected Jared McCann, Brendan Gaunce, and Mackenze Stewart.
Pro Tip: To maximize potential returns, the Canucks could consider packaging some of these players together or attaching prospects and picks to sweeten the deal.
FAQs
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Q: Will the Canucks trade Elias Pettersson?
A: While his name has been mentioned in trade rumors, it’s unlikely the Canucks will trade their young superstar unless blown away by an offer. -
Q: What’s the timeline for the Canucks’ rebuild?
A: With the right asset management and draft picks, the Canucks could start seeing results within 3-5 years, but it’s a patient process.
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