LATEST | Insider gives worrying update on Andrei Kuzmenko and the Canucks

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Cooper Godin
December 13, 2023 (11:38)

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In recent weeks, it appears that there's been a bit of frustration from Vancouver Canucks forward Andrei Kuzmenko after being made a healthy scratch on a couple of occasions and seeing his ice time go down.

It's been reported, including by David Pagnotta of The Fourth Period, that the Vancouver Canucks are willing to take calls on the Russian forward, who has one-year remaining on his contract beyond the 2023-24 season with a cap hit of $5.5 million.

Pagnotta appeared on the NHL Network to discuss Andrei Kuzmenko's situation in Vancouver and said that the Canucks are talking with teams, but a move doesn't appear to be imminent.

He then expanded on his comments in an article on The Fourth Period, saying that Patrik Allvin is open to moving Kuzmenko, but isn't interested in just dumping his contract and wants to make a 'talent-for-talent' move.

"As I mentioned Tuesday on NHL Network, there does not appear to be an imminent move involving Vancouver Canucks forward Andrei Kuzmenko. Yes, the Canucks are taking calls on him and GM Patrick Allvin is open to discussions, Kuzmenko's $5.5 million cap hit will be a challenge to move. While Allvin is looking to create more cap flexibility, the Canucks are not interested in dumping his contract and any move is likely to be a talent-for-talent swap that gives them some financial wiggle room. But at this point in time, I am told it is premature to expect a trade in the near future."

Kuzmenko, 27, has taken a bit of a step back this season, so far, in terms of his production. In 26 games, he's only recorded five goals, including a powerplay tally last night against the Tampa Bay Lightning.

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