Vancouver Canucks GM Patrik Allvin spoke to Sportsnet's Ian MacIntyre about all things involving the upcoming trade deadline.
Vancouver Canucks GM Patrik Allvin spoke to Sportsnet's Ian MacIntyre about all things involving the upcoming trade deadline.
Allvin reviewed many topics with Maclntyre, including his March 8 trade deadline plan.
"Well, I think I owe it to the players. The players dictate how good we are and how they're buying into the way we want to play," Allvin said. "We know that they are capable of playing at this high level. And if they continue to do that, then it's on me to make sure I support them and give them opportunities to be successful."
Reports have come out that the Canucks are interested in adding a top-six forward to help bolster their already potent offense.
Andrei Kuzmenko has not had the best second season in the NHL. He's been a healthy scratch five times so far and has eight goals and 11 assists in 38 games. He signed a $5.5 million cap-hit contract in January of 2023.
"If you look at it, he's a second-year pro in the National Hockey League. Although he is older (27), we know the second year is tough," Allvin told Sportsnet. "We've become a better team and we want to play a more structured game. I would say I'm very pleased with his last few games. I think Kuzie understands what he needs to do in order to stay in the lineup."
There have been rumours suggesting that teams have called the Canucks to ask if he is available. Allvin confirmed that he has received calls but that they haven't been anything more than a simple check-in on availability.
"Obviously, he's a hell of a talented player and teams are definitely, you know, checking in when they see a guy like that is not in the lineup," Allvin said.
The Canucks sit in first place in the Pacific division, and while the team's chemistry is off the charts, especially the lotto line, Allvin doesn't want to make a move that doesn't fit within the team's style. That includes whether or not he will trade Kuzmenko.
"The players usually dictate where they fit and how they perform and all that. Toc is a puzzle guy and we want to make sure the puzzle works," Allvin explained. "So we talk about different ideas and things, and then we'll see where things go."
There are many options to add at the deadline for the Canucks. Allvin might need a second phone as he looks aggressive as March 8 approaches. He's already made a trade once this season when he acquired Nikita Zadorov from the Calgary Flames.
Allvin talked about other topics, including Elias Pettersson's next contract. THN will have a separate article regarding this.
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