The Vancouver Canucks hiring of Jim Rutherford earlier this season prompted some observers to suggest he wouldn't waste time making roster changes. With Patrik Allvin as GM, will the team move some of its forward core?
The Vancouver Canucks hiring of Jim Rutherford earlier this season prompted some observers to suggest he wouldn't waste time making roster changes. That speculation increased with last week's hiring of Patrik Allvin as GM amid talk the Canucks could shop a forward or two before the March 21 trade deadline.
J.T. Miller has been a frequent source of conjecture but Rutherford and Allvin appear willing to entertain offers for others. Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman believes they have a number of forwards they're willing to discuss with other clubs, suggesting Conor Garland could be among them.
Garland was acquired in last summer's blockbuster trade with the Arizona Coyotes by former GM Jim Benning and signed to a five-year contract worth an annual average value of $4.95 million. Cap Friendly indicates the 25-year-old winger lacks no-trade protection.
Friedman indicated trade rumors linked clubs like the Boston Bruins, Calgary Flames, New York Rangers and the New Jersey Devils to the Canucks. The Province's Patrick Johnston suggested Devils defensemen Ty Smith or Damon Severson could be of interest. Smith, 21, has struggled this season but the Devils sophomore is on an affordable entry-level contract.
Friedman said it doesn't sound like Elias Pettersson or Bo Horvat are part of this but made no mention of Brock Boeser. On Thursday, his colleague Iain MacIntyre noted the Canucks would owe the 24-year-old winger a $7.5-million qualifying offer after this season. If they're not comfortable with that number, MacIntyre wondered if they would consider trading him.
These reports don't mean the Canucks intend to stage a fire sale by the March 21 trade deadline. Nevertheless, one of their notable wingers could be moved if they're out of the playoff chase by then.