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Vancouver Canucks: 5 Potential Trade Destinations for Radim Vrbata

By Janik Beichler

Dec 28, 2015; Vancouver, British Columbia, CAN; Vancouver Canucks forward Radim Vrbata (17) skates against the Los Angeles Kings during the first period at Rogers Arena. The Los Angeles Kings won 5-0. Mandatory Credit: Anne-Marie Sorvin-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 28, 2015; Vancouver, British Columbia, CAN; Vancouver Canucks forward Radim Vrbata (17) skates against the Los Angeles Kings during the first period at Rogers Arena. The Los Angeles Kings won 5-0. Mandatory Credit: Anne-Marie Sorvin-USA TODAY Sports /
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5. New Jersey Devils

Why they need Vrbata: What are the New Jersey Devils doing on this list? Aren’t they one of the worst teams in the league right now? No. In fact, the Devils are only one point behind the Canadiens and therefore one point out of a wild card spot. Their biggest weakness: goal scoring.

New Jersey just cracked the 100-goal mark, now sitting at 101 goals — 28th in the league. Because of that, they have a goal differential of minus-9. They are lacking a lot more than one winger, but Vrbata would be a big step in the right direction.

The big question is: do the Devils really want to trade a pick for a rental or would they rather keep the pick and quite possibly miss the playoffs?

Where Vrbata would slot in: As of today, the Devils’ top-two right wingers, Kyle Palmieri and Lee Stempniak, are their second and third-best scorers with 32 and 31 points scored, respectively. However, Vrbata could transition to the left wing and would instantly be the Devils’ No. 1 on that position.

Next: Are the Canucks Canada's Best NHL Team?

The Devils currently have five injured players, including Mike Cammalleri, Jiri Tlusty and Ryane Clowe. Clowe was advised not to play again, but once Tlusty and Cammalleri return, things will change again. With everyone healthy, Vrbata could play anywhere from first-line left wing to third-line right wing.

*All stats and standings via NHL.com

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