Vancouver Canucks make it known they are ready to move on from key forward less than a year after acquisition
Photo credit: Bob Frid - Imagn Images.
A Vancouver Canucks forward has become a trade chip for GM Patrik Allvin leading up to the deadline, one year after he joined the team in a deal with Pittsburgh.
The next month and a half are going to be quite busy for Vancouver Canucks General Manager Patrik Allvin and his front office, with the club considering all their options ahead of the March 6th trade deadline.
So far, we've already seen the Vancouver Canucks part ways with forward Kiefer Sherwood, as well as now-former captain Quinn Hughes, and in the week ahead, the club is expected to trade other players off their NHL roster, including pending unrestricted free agents Teddy Blueger and Evander Kane.
"But prior to this, we already made the decision that we were going to go with younger players. Over the past few years, our staff has done a good job and we have a number of good young players, whether they're in our lineup now or close to getting in our lineup. And those players are going to get a chance to play. Based on the circumstances with this team, this is the year to do it. The fact of the matter is we're in a rebuild." President of Hockey Operations Jim Rutherford said about the Vancouver Canucks' path forward.
Vancouver Canucks forward becomes trade chip for General Manager Patrik Allvin
Last month, a report circulated that the Vancouver Canucks have placed Drew O'Connor on the trade block after the club decided that they were going to be sellers leading up to the deadline.
"Drew O'Connor has another year left on his contract with some no-trade protection, he's a player I believe they're willing to move." Pagnotta said on Sekeres and Price in December.
The Chatham, New Jersey native signed a two-year extension with the less than a month after he was acquired via trade from the Pittsburgh Penguins and so far this season, he's played quite well for the role he's been placed in, registering 11 goals in 49 games this season, which has him on pace for a new career-high.
With the NHL's Olympic roster freeze looming, it appears that teams are interested in trading for Drew O'Connor, according to Sportsnet insider Elliotte Friedman, with some even calling up the Vancouver Canucks to inquire about their asking price.
"O'Connor was mentioned by Friedman as a player that teams are calling the Canucks about. If he were to be dealt, it would have to be to a squad that isn't on his 12-team no-trade list." Trevor Beggs of Daily Hive said.
If the Vancouver Canucks were to trade Drew O'Connor in the coming weeks, the most they'll likely receive in return for the 27-year-old winger is a mid-round pick, likely a third or fourth rounder.
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