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Vancouver Canucks: 3 Trade Proposals that Make a Lot of Sense

By Janik Beichler

Dec 20, 2014; Vancouver, British Columbia, CAN; Vancouver Canucks forward Radim Vrbata (17) and player Alexandre Burrows (14) celebrate a goal against Calgary Flames goaltender Jonas Hiller (not pictured) during the first period at Rogers Arena. Mandatory Credit: Anne-Marie Sorvin-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 20, 2014; Vancouver, British Columbia, CAN; Vancouver Canucks forward Radim Vrbata (17) and player Alexandre Burrows (14) celebrate a goal against Calgary Flames goaltender Jonas Hiller (not pictured) during the first period at Rogers Arena. Mandatory Credit: Anne-Marie Sorvin-USA TODAY Sports /
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Feb 24, 2015; Boston, MA, USA; NHL linesman Brian Murphy (93) tries to get between Vancouver Canucks defenseman Dan Hamhuis (2) and Boston Bruins left wing Brad Marchand (63) during the second period at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Winslow Townson-USA TODAY Sports /

Vancouver Canucks – Boston Bruins

Why the Canucks should do it: Jesse Gabrielle might not be known too well in Vancouver, so let’s hit this off with a scouting report by Curtis Joe of Elite Prospects, who describes the forward quite well:

"A gritty winger who plays with an edge and has a nose for the net. Plays an agitative style and is very effective on the forecheck. Possesses good skating ability and is able to evade larger opponents with ease. All-in-all, a scrappy, skilled winger that can be difficult to play against."

Canucks GM Jim Benning likes to bring in players rather than draft picks, and Gabrielle would be an exciting acquisition. The 18-year-old was selected 105th overall by the Bruins in the 2015 NHL Entry Draft and acquired by the WHL Prince George Cougars following the draft.

Gabrielle is a gritty winger who combines physical play with good skating and an outstanding shot. He is a lightning-fast winger with a heavy, accurate snapshot. In 46 games this season, Gabrielle has 28 goals and 47 points — as well as 65 penalty minutes.

He may be a fourth-round pick, but the Bruins might have made a big steal here.

Now, why would the Canucks ship Dan Hamhuis to Boston? There is no doubt that Hamhuis is still an important player for Vancouver on and off the ice. But, he is steadily declining and will likely be released into free agency this summer. The Canucks can get a nice return and leave Hamhuis’ spot to Alex Biega, who is doing his job well.

Why the Bruins should do it: Last offseason, the Bruins got rid of their best defenceman, Dougie Hamilton. Even without him, the Bruins defence is something the Canucks can only dream of. Still, it can be improved.

The Bruins are giving guys like Joe Morrow and Zach Trotman a chance, which is obviously great for those players and the Bruins, but they might want some improvement on the blue line to find success in the playoffs.

Wait, Hamhuis would be an improvement on the blue line?

Yes. Hamhuis is one of the most underrated players on the Canucks roster. As mentioned above, he is steadily declining but can still be an impact player. You can find a full article on Hamhuis’ importance here.

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