3 trade packages for Vancouver Canucks' Anthony Beauvillier

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While Conor Garland remains an attractive trade asset, the Vancouver Canucks have another option on the table, Anthony Beauvillier. Arriving in Vancouver as part of the Bo Horvat trade last season, Beauvillier wasted no time making an impact. Playing alongside Elias Pettersson and Andrei Kuzmenko, Beauvillier amassed an impressive 20 points in just 33 games, closing out the 2022-2023 season on a high note.

The 2023-2024 season, however, has been less forgiving for Beauvillier, as he’s still in search of his first point. Yet, he retains significant trade value, particularly since he’s in the final year of his manageable three-year, $12.45 million contract. While dealing Anthony Beauvillier may not provide the Canucks with long-term salary cap relief, it positions them to target a coveted right-handed defenseman, or to simply accrue more cap space. By leveraging the final year of his deal, the Canucks look to improve their team for the now and the future.

Let’s explore three potential trade packages that involve Beauvillier.

#3. Canucks get their RHD

Just a month after securing a three-year, $8.25 million contract extension ($2.75 million AAV), Andrew Peeke has found himself sitting out of all but one of the Columbus Blue Jackets’ first six games. He’s been consistently scratched alongside fellow defenseman Adam Boqvist. In Columbus, the right side of the defense is crowded, with Damon Severson, Erik Gudbranson, and David Jiricek firmly ahead of Peeke, not to mention the presence of Boqvist.

In this trade, the Vancouver Canucks strategically move to address their most pressing need. They acquire a 6-foot-3, 25-year-old defenseman who has established himself as a penalty-kill specialist throughout his young career, averaging an impressive 2:40 per game in that role. On the flip side, the Blue Jackets gain a dependable middle-six winger with a palatable $3 million cap hit. This move not only maintains the option of potentially trading the winger at the deadline, but also alleviates their logjam, creating space for their roster filled with emerging young right-handed defensemen.

The trade carries a degree of risk for the Canucks, as Peeke is under contract until the 2025-2026 season. However, his manageable $2.75 million cap hit provides stability on the right side of Vancouver’s defense for years to come. It’s a calculated move that addresses a key need while considering both short-term and long-term objectives.

Canadiens defenseman Johnathan Kovacevic would be a huge upgrade for the Canucks’ blueline. Mandatory Credit: David Kirouac-USA TODAY Sports /

#2. Canucks angle for more defense

With the season-ending injury of Kirby Dach, the Montreal Canadians look to shore up their forward group as the Canucks acquire draft capital, some cap space, and a much-needed defender.

At the outset of the 2021-2022 season, the Montreal Canadiens claimed Johnathan Kovacevic off waivers from the Winnipeg Jets. Kovacevic’s impact in his first season in Montreal was notable, and he ended up suiting up for an impressive 77 games during what was undoubtedly a rebuild year for the Canadiens. Despite the team’s struggles, the 6-foot-4 right-handed defenseman played admirably, boasting one of the best plus/minus ratings on the squad at +3. Remarkably, he appeared in the second-most games, trailing only the team’s captain, Nick Suzuki (82).

In this trade, the Canucks once again press for their need for size on the right side of the defense, and effectively plug a huge gap in the roster. Additionally, they managed to secure a valuable fourth-round draft pick while retaining some salary. Kovacevic is under contract through the 2024-2025 season with an annual salary of $776,667, thus creating $1.3 million in cap space for the Canucks. This additional cap space could prove to be crucial should they pursue Ethan Bear.

On the Canadiens’ side, they acquire Beauvillier at a notably discounted rate, fulfilling a big need at the top of their lineup all while parting with minimal assets. The trade presents a win-win scenario for both teams, addressing their respective needs efficiently.

Anthony Beauvillier on the puck for the Canucks in a game against the Lightning. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images) /

#1. Canucks swing for draft capital

The Buffalo Sabres’ last playoff appearance was in 2011, and to say they are desperate to return to the playoffs is an understatement.

Zach Benson, the Sabres’ 13th overall pick in this year’s draft, has showcased flashes of his highly-touted skills but, given his physical development, appears outmatched in his first five NHL games. In this scenario, the Sabres have chosen to assign the 18-year-old to the minors, creating an opportunity to bolster their lineup with the addition of a seasoned and cost-effective winger with no strings attached beyond this year.

With the aim of breaking their playoff drought, the Sabres have executed a deal that sends a third-round pick to the Canucks, who offer salary retention as part of the trade, in exchange for Beauvillier. This bold move still sees the Sabres harbor a substantial $7.5 million in available cap space, providing the flexibility to continue enhancing their roster leading up to the trade deadline if they choose to do so.

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Meanwhile, the Canucks – who possess a wealth of young wingers capable of filling the void left by Beauvillier – benefit from an additional $2.15 million in cap space and gain a valuable third-round draft pick through this trade.

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