The Canuck Way
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3 trade packages for Vancouver Canucks’ Anthony Beauvillier

By Kyle Welsford

ELMONT, NEW YORK - FEBRUARY 09: Anthony Beauvillier #72 of the Vancouver Canucks plays against the New York Islanders at UBS Arena on February 09, 2023 in Elmont, New York. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)
ELMONT, NEW YORK - FEBRUARY 09: Anthony Beauvillier #72 of the Vancouver Canucks plays against the New York Islanders at UBS Arena on February 09, 2023 in Elmont, New York. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images) /
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Canadiens defenseman Johnathan Kovacevic would be a huge upgrade for the Canucks' blueline. Mandatory Credit: David Kirouac-USA TODAY Sports
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.

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