Canucks general manager Patrik Allvin revealed he did not want to part with picks and prospects at this year's trade deadline.
Canucks general manager Patrik Allvin revealed he did not want to part with picks and prospects at this year's trade deadline.
The 2024 NHL trade deadline has come and gone, with the Vancouver Canucks opting against making a move. Despite players being available, general manager Patrik Allvin did not like the acquisition prices and elected not to tinker with his lineup. Vancouver currently sits first in the Western Conference with 89 points through 65 games and are on pace for their second-highest point total in franchise history.
While it was surprising to see Vancouver stand pat at the deadline, Allvin pointed out that the Canucks had done their shopping early, acquiring Sam Lafferty, Nikita Zadorov and Elias Lindholm at different points during the season. Vancouver's GM also mentioned the return of Carson Soucy and Dakota Joshua from injury, as well as the play of younger players like Vasily Podkolzin, Arshdeep Bains and Linus Karlsson in Abbotsford, were some of the reasons the club elected to keep the team as in. Allvin also stated, "We felt that that the team we have is good enough to compete here," showing that he and his management group have faith in the current Canucks lineup.
Part of the reason Vancouver elected not to make any trades was they did not want to part with any of their top prospects. Allvin mentioned that teams were calling about some of their up-and-comers and mentioned seven names, including Tom Willander, Jonathan Lekkerimäki and Max Sasson. The unwillingness to part with more prospects shows the Canucks determination not just to be a top team this season but to build up the organization's depth for the future.
The other explanation Allvin gave into why Vancouver did not make trades was the Canucks being in LTIR. According to Allvin, "It definitely made it more complicated. By bringing in players with salary, that means that you're going to take out the player with salary or pay a third party." Vancouver's cap also played a factor in the team not signing Phil Kessel, who had been skating in Abbotsford the last few weeks and was attempting to earn a contract for the rest of the season.
One interesting topic that Allvin addressed was the trade rumours surrounding his own players. When asked, he responded with, "I feel bad for those players' names out there. I don't think that's the respect or integrity of the league, and sometimes it's just very unfortunate. There's a guessing game. Yeah, it's not fair". While the NHL is a tough business, Allvin's response shows that the Canucks are paying attention to how these rumours are affecting their players and may lead to a more tight-lipped organization moving forward.
The biggest takeaway from Allvin's press conference was that Vancouver's management put in the work early to give themselves the longest runway possible. Whether it was the multiple trades they made before the All-Star break or signing Elias Pettersson to an eight-year contract extension, they have spent the first six months of the season doing whatever they can to improve this team. While Allvin admits there is still work to be done, he and his management have built a strong lineup, hopefully translating into a long playoff run.
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