The plans for Vasily Podkolzin's return already determined: Canucks to acquire their next Nikita Zadorov?

Podkolzin was expected to challenge for a depth role with the Canucks, but GM Patrik Allvin decided instead to turn him into currency, and Canucks Insiders Rick Dhaliwal and Thomas Drance say they're open for business with that pick.

The Canucks took a gamble trading a player who could still have some potential upside to a division rival, but given how disappointing the former 10th overall pick's career has gone so far and the stockpile of young forwards the Canucks have as bottom six options - it's a bet they were willing to make.

A little under a year ago, the Canucks used a 3rd Round Pick and a 5th Round Pick to acquire the Defenseman who would end up playing huge minutes down the line, Nikita Zadorov. With another pick in their pool, are they already looking at a similar trade?

The Canucks are pressed fairly tight to the salary cap, and if they want to make additions throughout the season may require double retention, in which case extra mid round picks could come in handy.