Canucks trade for Tyler Toffoli, what it means

Trade Alert! Jim Benning and the Vancouver Canucks have traded for Tyler Toffoli. Not standing pat, Canucks are all in, landing another top-six talent for playoffs.

For those of you who thought the Vancouver Canucks were going to stand pat at the trade deadline, think again. Jim Benning, the clubs general manager struck a deal with the Rob Blake and the LA Kings in a long time rumoured deal that finally came true and sent Tyler Toffoli to Canada’s west coast to rejoin his former linemate, Tanner Pearson.

Yes, that’s right. Vancouver ended up being one of the first teams to make a big splash. But at what cost? If you ask me, Benning did a stellar job getting what he needed at the right price. According to TSN and Bob McKenzie, the Canucks surrender Tim Schaller, Tyler Madden and a second-round pick. What a fair trade for Vancouver, a no brainer really. Yes, Madden might one day become a true NHL talent, but the chance to get Toffoli lined up with Pearson again is too much of a good deal to pass up. “That 70s Line” was a thing of magic and the curiosity of what Bo Horvat can bring to that combination will finally get some answers.

What does this mean for the Canucks? Well clearly it’s all hands on deck and this hockey club is full steam ahead for the playoffs. You can’t blame Benning for the effort, and when you look at the wide-open Pacific Division, this is the year the Canucks could get lucky and go deeper than expected. There is no clear cut force along the coast and the Canucks remain in the top three.

The absence of Brock Boeser has been felt in the goal department. Pile on the bad news of Micheal Ferland‘s situation and this trade is great for Vancouver. For now, Toffoli, a purebred 20 goal scorer can be the band-aid while Boeser heals up. Once the roster is healthy, the Canucks truly have a deep roster filled with a lot of 40+ point players.

Hats off to Benning for this one. He’s really done an excellent job building the proper pieces around the young talent he’s drafted. I can’t see this trade being a bad thing for the Canucks. All the better if he re-signs in Vancouver. Bottom line, Toffoli is a proven top-six forward who brings playoff experience and he knows what it takes to win a Stanley Cup. Big move for the Canucks. Today is a big win for this club.