Vancouver Canucks forward Andrei Kuzmenko has been involved in trade rumors all season. The Canucks could be showing off the forward to the San Jose Sharks tonight as a trade option.

Vancouver Canucks forward Andrei Kuzmenko has been involved in trade rumors all season. The Canucks could be showing off the forward to the San Jose Sharks tonight as a trade option.

Kuzmenko has been a healthy scratch multiple times this season. He is expected to return to the lineup tonight against San Jose after watching the last three games from the press box. 

With six goals in 29 games this season, Kuzmenko's 39-goal effort from last season will be hard to match. Despite signing him to a 2-year, $11,000,000 contract, the Canucks seem to have soured on the Russian.

Canucks head coach Rick Tocchet has repeatedly talked about his frustrations with the winger. 

Kuzmenko's contract has a 12-team no-trade list attached to it. Should San Jose be interested in acquiring him, they would either need to not be on that list or have Kuzmenko approve the deal. 

The 27-year-old thrives when playing on Vancouver's top line and top powerplay. 

He is being elevated to the top line ahead of tonight's game against the Sharks.

If the Canucks want to move on from the forward, the best way to prove to the San Jose Sharks he is still a great player is to put him in the best position to succeed. For the Canucks there is no better time to do that than against them tonight. 

GM Mike Grier wouldn't be committing long-term to the player either. Kuzmenko will be a UFA after next season.

The Sharks need a goal scorer on the wing, and Kuzmenko could be just that. San Jose has multiple players Vancouver might inquire about at the NHL Trade Deadline in March.

If they acquire him, Kuzmenko will be able to remain on a top line with the San Jose Sharks. The only turn-off is his age combined with a possible extension price should he succeed.

Make sure you bookmark THN's San Jose Sharks site for the latest news, exclusive interviews, breakdowns, and so much more.

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