The Canucks want a top-line centre, the Avalanche want defence — it’s a perfect fit.
It is no secret that the Vancouver Canucks will need a successor for franchise centre Henrik Sedin. And they will need one soon.
In most cases, the only way to get one is through the draft. Players like Sidney Crosby, Connor McDavid, Patrice Bergeron, Nicklas Backstrom, Steven Stamkos or Ryan Getzlaf were all drafted by their current club. Once you get a true No. 1 centre, you don’t trade him, and you do everything in your power to keep him with your franchise for as long as possible.
But, there are exceptions.
In 2015-16, the Columbus Blue Jackets traded their No. 1 centre, Ryan Johansen, to the Nashville Predators in exchange for defenceman Seth Jones.
Because defencemen are at least as highly coveted as top-line centres.
Now back to the Canucks. Bo Horvat is doing his best to develop into a first-line player, but it wouldn’t hurt to get some insurance. Luckily, the Colorado Avalanche have someone available: Matt Duchene.
And they also know what they are seeking in return.
After talking with sources in LA,at bare minimum it'll take young, established D player and 1st round pick to get either Duchene or Landy
— Adrian Dater (@adater) January 28, 2017
A young, established defenceman and a first-round pick is what it’ll take.
Let’s see what the Canucks can come up with.