As the NHL's Olympic trade freeze lifts, all eyes are on the Vancouver Canucks, a team poised to make some moves. While nothing is set in stone just yet, the buzz around the league suggests that Vancouver is gearing up for some serious trade action.
The Canucks are being described as a "motivated seller," which means we could see a flurry of activity as the trade deadline on March 6 approaches. Names like Elias Pettersson and Evander Kane are making the rounds in trade discussions, hinting at potential shake-ups for the team.
Evander Kane: A Tough Sell?
Kane's been on the market for a while, but finding a buyer hasn't been easy. Despite interest from teams like the Colorado Avalanche, Tampa Bay Lightning, and Los Angeles Kings, the market for the 34-year-old winger is lukewarm at best. His current stats show nine goals and 25 points this season, which might not be enough to entice contenders to take on his $5.15 million cap hit, even with salary retention.
There's talk that if a trade doesn't happen, the Canucks might look at more creative options, including contract termination, though nothing is confirmed.
Elias Pettersson: In the Spotlight
Pettersson's name is also circulating in trade talks. During the Olympic break, rumors swirled about the Los Angeles Kings considering him as a replacement for the injured Kevin Fiala. Reports from the Los Angeles Times and The Province indicate growing interest from the Kings.
However, Pettersson's limited playtime in Sweden's recent loss to the United States raises questions. He logged just nine minutes and didn't see the ice after the second period.
If he's nursing an injury, that could deter potential suitors. But if he's healthy, teams might wonder about his playoff readiness.
For any trade to happen, Pettersson would need to waive his no-move clause, adding another layer to the situation.
Other Trade Chips
Beyond the big names, the Canucks have a couple of potential trade assets in Teddy Blueger and David Kämpf. Both are pending unrestricted free agents who have made their mark at the Olympics, offering defensive depth that could be attractive to teams looking to bolster their rosters.
As the trade freeze ends and the deadline looms, expect Vancouver's strategy to become clearer. The Canucks are in a position to make significant moves, and the coming days should reveal just how aggressive they'll be in reshaping their roster.