Vancouver Canucks open to place draft pick on trade block to acquire star centre in new proposal
Photo credit: The Province
Can Elias Pettersson develop the consistency and impact expected from a top-line center? Can Chytil remain healthy? While free agents could help strengthen the roster, is that the wisest approach? The Canucks insist that acquiring a center via trade is a necessity.
The Vancouver Canucks are better off trading their first-round pick for an established ready-now NHL forward.
Ben Kuzma from The Province writes that with J.T. Miller traded, Elias Pettersson underperforming, Filip Chytil's concussion issues, and the uncertain status of pending UFA Pius Suter, despite his career-best 25-goal season, the team faces a questionable depth chart down the middle.
"They desperately need to trade for a proven centre and their first-round selection for the June 27-28 NHL Draft in Los Angeles, odds are 97.9 per cent it will remain 15th overall, should be part of the package." -Kuzma
The Canucks are tied with the Flames for the lowest odds of winning the draft lottery at just 0.5 percent. But even in the unlikely event they land the top draw for the first time ever, they wouldn't be eligible to select first overall. Since 2021, lottery rules only allow teams to jump a maximum of 10 spots, meaning the highest the Canucks can pick is fifth.
Kuzma also writes that Sam Bennett, 28, is set to earn a raise in free agency after posting 25 goals and 51 points this season while playing behind Florida's top centre Aleksander Barkov, showing the kind of on-ice presence teams value. Meanwhile, 28-year-old Jack Roslovic of the Hurricanes, who scored 22 goals this season, has been a healthy scratch in the playoffs and is also on an expiring $2.8 million contract.
"Dylan Larkin, 28, has been a consummate captain and contributor for the Detroit Red Wings over 10 seasons. He was critical of his club's lack of trade-deadline improvements for a shot at a playoff spot for the first time in nine seasons." -Larkin
Larkin's outburst last wek was unusual and might suggest a rift with the Red Wings' general manager Steve Yzerman.
"A first-round pick, roster player and prime prospect aren't out of the realm of consideration, if Larkin wants out, and the Canucks get something else back. And maybe a change of scenery and connection with Canucks captain Quinn Hughes could benefit both." -Kuzma
I guess we'll have to wait until the summer to see if the Canucks will make any moves before the NHL Draft in June.
| POLL | ||
MAI 4 | 847 ANSWERS Vancouver Canucks open to place draft pick on trade block to acquire star centre in new proposal Do you think the Canucks should deal their 2025 first-round pick for an established NHLer? | ||
| yes | 553 | 65.3 % |
| no | 294 | 34.7 % |
| List of polls | ||
