On this version of the Vancouver Canucks Information & Rumors, the Canucks are open to buying and selling their gamers, together with Elias Pettersson and J.T. Miller, to Western Convention groups. Moreover, an replace on the group’s contract negotiations with their high unrestricted free brokers (UFA) Brock Boeser and Kevin Lankinen. Additionally, Filip Hronek returned to the lineup after being away since early December.
Canucks Open to Buying and selling Inside Western Convention
The Canucks proceed to carry commerce talks for Pettersson and Miller because the commerce deadline nears. The group is open to buying and selling both of its top-end centres to groups within the Western Convention.
“One of many issues the Canucks have indicated with each Pettersson and Miller is that they’re not shying off curiosity from the Western Convention,” Elliotte Friedman mentioned. “Groups from the West which have reached out haven’t been instructed no, that they might be unwilling to deal any explicit participant to any of these locations.”
Each gamers are on the highest of a number of commerce boards, however a commerce involving both isn’t assured. The Canucks are combating for a wild card spot with division rivals, the Calgary Flames, whereas the St. Louis Blues and Utah Hockey Membership path behind by two factors.
Vancouver went 1-3-3 for the reason that vacation break however secured an enormous shutout win in opposition to the Toronto Maple Leafs. Nevertheless, they adopted it up with a 6-1 loss to the Winnipeg Jets on January 14. Regardless of the loss, the Canucks will possible maintain on to each forwards and try to enhance their roster in different methods.
If the group does determine to commerce one in all them, transferring Miller as an alternative of Pettersson makes way more sense. At 26 years outdated, Pettersson is youthful and has long-term upside, whereas Miller, who turns 32 in March, represents a extra logical commerce candidate. Moreover, the return for Pettersson is unlikely to match the immense worth he gives, whereas a commerce involving Miller would possible deliver again a considerable package deal.
Replace on Canucks UFAs: Boeser and Lankinen
The Canucks have two key UFAs this offseason in Boeser and Lankinen. Boeser is within the closing yr of his three-year, $19.5 million deal, whereas Lankinen, signed with the group within the offseason to a one-year deal at $875,000.
Boeser reached the 30- and 40-goal milestones for the primary time in his profession in the course of the 2023-24 season. Heading into this yr, common supervisor Patrik Allvin anticipated the ahead to surpass the 40-goal mark. Nevertheless, accidents and the group’s struggles within the first half of the season have restricted Boeser to fifteen objectives in 36 video games, placing him on tempo for 34 objectives over a full 82-game season.
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Rick Dhaliwal mentioned the ahead will get a rise in cap hit, round $8 million or barely increased. Nevertheless, the time period may very well be a difficulty between him and the group. Dhaliwal added that each side are nonetheless far aside, and important work stays to finalize a deal.
In the meantime, the Canucks have initiated extension talks with Lankinen’s agent. The Finnish goalie is the primary purpose the membership continues to be within the playoff race. With accidents to Pettersson, Quinn Hughes, J.T. Miller, Boeser and most significantly, Thatcher Demko, Lankinen has stepped up. He has a 16-8-6 file with a 2.63 goals-against common and a .903 save share.
In accordance with Dhaliwal, the Canucks are desirous to finalize a take care of Lankinen sooner reasonably than later. Nevertheless, if Demko’s harm points persist, Lankinen’s worth will improve, each for the Canucks and throughout the league. In consequence, Lankinen’s camp is taking a affected person method to his subsequent contract.
Hronek Re-Joins Vancouver
The Canucks are progressively getting more healthy, as Hronek returned to the lineup in opposition to the Jets. For the primary time this season, the Canucks have six of their high gamers wholesome on the similar time in Hronek, Demko, Hughes, Miller, Pettersson and Boeser.
Hronek performed alongside Hughes in the course of the 6-1 loss to the Jets, however the captain expressed pleasure about having his defensive accomplice again earlier than the sport.
“He at all times appears nice. Yeah, so completely satisfied I imply, I don’t know what his plan is tomorrow, however I’m certain he’ll be again within the subsequent couple days, and we clearly desperately want him.”
Hronek logged 20:50 in time on ice, the second-highest on the group. His return bolsters a Canucks blue line that has been a weak spot all season. Whereas his presence will assist in the approaching weeks, the group nonetheless wants to handle their defensive deficiencies and may purpose to take action earlier than the commerce deadline.
