3 players the Canucks should consider trading

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The Vancouver Canucks are entering a very important time in their history. After dismissing head coach Travis Green and GM Jim Benning earlier in the season after an abysmal start to the campaign, the Canucks have stabilized the ‘ship’, and are optimistic about their future.

Veteran head coach Bruce Boudreau was hired and has done an excellent job re-organizing the players and getting the team back in the right mindset. Experienced front office executive Jim Rutherford was appointed to take control of the president of hockey operations role. Whilst just recently, Patrik Allvin, who worked under Rutherford for 16 years in Pittsburgh, was hired as the franchise’s 12th general manager. A change of leadership was needed at the helm in Vancouver, but now that the new staff are in place it’s time to get to work.

With the season teetering in the balance and Vancouver sitting in no man’s land in the Western Conference playoff picture, it’s likely that the Canucks occupy the role of ‘sellers’ at the NHL’s trade deadline. With the March 21 deadline just over six weeks away, it’s time to start considering some players who may be on their way out the door via trade.

In this article I’ll discuss three different Canucks players that management should consider trading prior to the league’s trade deadline.

Disagree with my thoughts? Feel free to leave your comments down below!

Nov 19, 2021; Vancouver, British Columbia, CAN; Vancouver Canucks goalie Thatcher Demko (35) looks on as defenseman Travis Hamonic (27) blocks a shot against the Winnipeg Jets in the third period at Rogers Arena. Canucks won 3-2. Mandatory Credit: Bob Frid-USA TODAY Sports /

1. Travis Hamonic

Since signing a two-year, $6 million contract extension during the offseason, Travis Hamonic has endured a very unsteady campaign.

Just mere months after re-upping with the team, Hamonic considered stepping away from game completely and retiring. This was due to ‘personal matters’, but it certainly was unsettling after just signing an extension. About three weeks later the team announced that Hamonic would take a leave of absence due to said personal matters. Hamonic did return about a week after taking his leave, and reported to the Canucks AHL affiliate in Abbotsford.

Since then, the 31 year old defensemen has only played in nine NHL games, was sent back down to the minors for a short stint, and has been placed on IR where he still remains. If Hamonic can get healthy and back on the ice prior to the deadline, which it appears he should be able to do, Allvin could look to ship him else where in one of his first moves since his hiring.

Hamonic’s reported eight team no-trade clause could provide an obstacle in potential trade talks, however it should be noted that the player can choose to waive this contract obligation at any time.

Jan 18, 2022; Nashville, Tennessee, USA; Vancouver Canucks left wing Tanner Pearson (70) skates against the Nashville Predators during the second period at Bridgestone Arena. Mandatory Credit: Steve Roberts-USA TODAY Sports /

2. Tanner Pearson

Canucks winger Tanner Pearson is a player who has endured very inconsistent patches of play during his time with the franchise. When initially acquired from Pittsburgh during the 2018-19 season, Pearson became a very valuable asset over the following 12 months.

With 21 goals and 24 assists in 69 games during the shortened 2019-20 season, the Kitchener, Ontario product looked like a key part of the Canucks future. Unfortunately, Pearson’s play over the last season and a half have looked nothing like his first full year with the team. 36 points over 91 games is all he’s been able to generate offensively and his three-year, $9.75 million extension given to him in April looks like a massive issue for the Canucks new front office as they move forward.

Pearson did win a Stanley Cup with the Kings in 2014, and his good playoff performances throughout his career could provide extra value to a contending team looking to make a run in the postseason.

Dec 14, 2021; Vancouver, British Columbia, CAN; Vancouver Canucks goalie Jaroslav Halak (41) in action against the Columbus Blue Jackets in the second period at Rogers Arena. Mandatory Credit: Bob Frid-USA TODAY Sports /

3. Jaroslav Halak

If I had made this list a few weeks ago, Jaroslav Halak would have likely not been one of the three trade candidates discussed.

The recent performances from 3rd goalie Spencer Martin during the COVID-19 outbreak in the goalie room could make Halak expendable at the deadline.

The 36- year-old Slovakian goalie can still give a team big performances in between the pipes. However, given his age and contract situation he’s likely not a part of the team’s long-term future.

Trading the goalie at the deadline for literally any asset and letting Martin take over the role of backup net minder is smart roster management, and would serve the team better in the long run.

Next. Abbotsford Canucks check-in: Four game win streak snapped in Manitoba. dark

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