Vancouver Canucks: Re-Sign Radim Vrbata, Trade Jannik Hansen

Oct 29, 2015; Dallas, TX, USA; Vancouver Canucks left wing Daniel Sedin (22) and right wing Radim Vrbata (17) and center Henrik Sedin (33) celebrate a goal against the Dallas Stars at the American Airlines Center. The Stars defeat the Canucks 4-3 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 29, 2015; Dallas, TX, USA; Vancouver Canucks left wing Daniel Sedin (22) and right wing Radim Vrbata (17) and center Henrik Sedin (33) celebrate a goal against the Dallas Stars at the American Airlines Center. The Stars defeat the Canucks 4-3 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
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Nov 27, 2015; Dallas, TX, USA; Vancouver Canucks right wing Radim Vrbata (17) throws pucks on the ice prior to the game against the Dallas Stars at the American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 27, 2015; Dallas, TX, USA; Vancouver Canucks right wing Radim Vrbata (17) throws pucks on the ice prior to the game against the Dallas Stars at the American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports

Conclusion: The Best of Both Worlds

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If you look beyond this year, one thing is clear: Radim Vrbata is a pure goal scorer, and the only one that the Canucks currently have. Jannik Hansen, on the other hand, is a role player with tremendous two-way upside.

If you then look at the Canucks lineup, which of those appears most needful?

The Vancouver Canucks should sign Vrbata to a one-year contract at $3-4 Million, on the understanding — written, if necessary — that he will play with the Sedins for the entire season. This gives Vrbata a chance to rebuild his value, and gives the Canucks a chance to reunite what was a dominant combination in 2014-15.

Next: The Granlund-Shinaruk trade: Nine Games Later

The Vancouver Canucks should then trade Hansen. This gives Hansen a chance to play for a contending team, and gives the Canucks a chance to add a major asset that can shorten the rebuild.

Hansen has had a great year, while Vrbata has not. Maybe Trader Jim can find a way to use that to his advantage.