Vancouver Canucks should be third team in an Erik Karlsson trade
By Alex Hoegler
The Vancouver Canucks have plenty of cap space and can take on some bad contracts. As such, they should try to become involved in a possible three-team trade for Ottawa Senators captain Erik Karlsson.
We’ve seen the Montreal Canadiens and Arizona Coyotes take on some hefty contracts to acquire young talent this offseason, and the Vancouver Canucks have the cap space to go that route as well.
The Habs got a potential top-six forward in Joel Armia from the Winnipeg Jets for taking on the final year of goalie Steve Mason‘s contract (he was subsequently bought out). Arizona got a handful of pieces (namely Vinnie Hinostroza), from the Chicago Blackhawks for taking on the final three years of Marian Hossa‘s deal.
Well, the Ottawa Senators continue to shop defenceman Erik Karlsson, with the Tampa Bay Lightning and Dallas Stars being mentioned as possible destinations. Problem is, the Lightning have just over $2.46 million left in cap space and need help if a deal for Karlsson is to be had. Dallas has over $8.37 million, so clearing out one bad contract would help them aplenty.
The Canucks could get rewarded handsomely if they step in and help both the Senators and either Tampa or Dallas work out a Karlsson trade. The Lightning would surely love to get Ryan Callahan (two years left at a $5.8 million cap hit), off their hands.
More from The Canuck Way
- Which team won the Bo Horvat trade?
- What to expect from newcomers Anthony Beauvillier, Aatu Räty
- Back to the future: How the skate uniforms became a regular Canucks’ feature night
- Canucks kick off 2023 with disappointing 6-2 loss to Islanders
- 2nd period penalty trouble sinks Canucks in 4-2 loss against Winnipeg
Dallas, meanwhile, would probably be content shipping out the final year of Jason Spezza‘s deal ($7.5 million cap hit), or 2017 free agent bust Martin Hanzal (two years left at $4.75 million per season).
General manager Jim Benning has plenty of cap space and can easily afford the likes of Callahan, Spezza or Hanzal.
Though the Senators would obviously get most of cake (draft picks, prospects, young roster players, etc.), Vancouver would also get compensated for taking on a bad contract in return.
They could be looking at a player like Julius Honka, or maybe even Tyler Johnson. Dallas or Tampa could even surrender second-to-third round picks to Vancouver for helping out. Just to take on a big contract for two more years? Worth it.
Vancouver has let too many opportunities (when it comes to being a dumping place for unwanted contracts), get away. The Karlsson trade will change the NHL landscape, and the Canucks have a chance to be a big player in how it all goes down.
The Canucks have just over $12.847 million in cap space, but keep in mind Alexander Edler (if he’s not re-signed), Michael Del Zotto and Anders Nilsson hit free agency next year. That’s $10.5 million cleared right there.
So there’s really no reason to not be involved in a trade for Karlsson. Ottawa is ready to give up the best blueliner in the league, and they’ll get a nice return for it. But the team that lands Karlsson has to move out a big contract, and that club will reward a third team like the Canucks for helping out.
Yes, the Canucks have a great group of prospects, and plenty of young talent that will be on the opening night roster. But when there’s an opportunity for a rebuilding team to land more picks and prospects, they have to go for it. In this case of a potential Karlsson trade, there’s little reason forr the Canucks to not get involved as the third team.