The Canucks should trade Pearson for Leafs prospect Timothy Liljegren

With the NHL trade deadline (April 12) approaching fast, the Vancouver Canucks need to figure out what direction they want to head in for the rest of the season.

Fortunately, that decision has probably been made for the team already, even if it wasn’t one in which management and fans had hoped for. The Canucks are currently at the bottom of the league in terms of points percentage, and making the playoffs is all but a dream at this point.

Which is to say that Vancouver needs to be sellers ahead of the deadline, and their most intriguing trade chip is likely Tanner Pearson. Interestingly, the Canucks are still reportedly interested in re-signing the veteran winger, according to Jeff Paterson and Insider Trading.

However, with Elias Pettersson, Quinn Hughes, and Thatcher Demko all set to become RFAs this summer, the Canucks need every penny available to re-sign their young stars. Jim Benning and the management group probably don’t want a repeat of the Tyler Toffoli gaffe either, who walked for nothing last offseason after proclaiming that they wanted to retain him as well. In other words, all signs seem to be pointing to Pearson switching jerseys in a few weeks’ time.

Enter Timothy Liljegren.

The Leafs prospect was recently rumoured to be a potential trade chip via Corey Pronman of The Athletic (subscription required), and a potential deal makes sense for both teams. Toronto has recently been in the market for a top-six winger, according to Elliotte Friedman, while the Canucks obviously need help on defence, especially on the right side.

A trade between the two Canadian teams means that neither player will need to enter the mandatory two-week quarantine period either, which makes the fit even better. More importantly, I believe that Pearson and Liljegren are quite close in value; both players are likely to be worth something similar to a second-round pick, so neither side would need to add much more in a potential deal.

On paper, this trade makes a great deal of sense. The Leafs get a crack at winning the cup this year while Vancouver reloads their prospect pool to prepare for the future. Liljegren also fills the greatest need in the Canucks’ lineup, which is the blueline’s right side.

What do you think, Canucks fans? Does this hypothetical trade make sense to you? Let us know in the comments below!