The Canucks have taken a significant step toward a new future when they announced OEL's buyout on Friday. However, this can't be the end game for them since cap space is an extremely valuable asset in today's era, especially when attempting a quick 'retool.'
It's become clearer that the Canucks are aiming to add centermen and defensemen, and a recent trade suggestion has been generating lots of discussions since it provides the Canucks with a solution for now and the future. The Canucks have been trying to rid themselves of Conor Garland's contract in their search for a centerman, and this deal may be a solution to it all:
Henrique, a 33-year-old and 830 Regular Season games veteran, is well-known across the NHL for his two-way game. He'd definitely be a great addition to the team's leadership group. Currently, on the last year of a 5 year deal worth $29.13M ($5.85M AAV), the Ducks would retain 20% of his salary for the remaining year, lowering his current AAV to about $300K under Garland's. The author of 38 points in 61 games, the Ducks have tried parting ways with him, but just like the Canucks with Garland, they've been unsuccessful.
Isaac Lunderstrom, on the other end, may be the hidden gem in this deal. A 2018 first-rounder, he has yet to reach the full extent of his offensive potential but has displayed great defensive abilities. In his early 20s, he's precisely the kind of piece Allvin and Rutherford said they'd be aiming for. Under contract for a modest $1.8M before becoming a restricted free agent, he could very well be the centerman that plays behind Miller and Pettersson for years to come.
Canucks would be giving away Jack Rathbone, who, at this point, deserves an opportunity elsewhere, Conor Garland and the 3 years remaining on his contract. They'd take on Henrique's hefty contract only for a year, and then they'd be in the clear. Isn't that a creative way to fill the team's needs and create long-term cap space?
