NHL Trade Deadline: Don’t expect the Vancouver Canucks to make a big splash
Posted February 25, 2019 7:23 am.
This article is more than 5 years old.
VANCOUVER (NEWS 1130) – It’s the NHL Trade deadline, where some clubs are hoping to make their teams better in time for the playoffs while others are trying to load up on prospects for next season.
James Cybulski with Sportsnet 650 doesn’t expect the Canucks to be involved in the wheeling-and-dealing but admits one player could get some attention.
“The one thing to watch for with the Vancouver Canucks is Alex Edler and his future with the organization. He’s an unrestricted free agent this summer and they are talking right now about trying to extend his contract,” Cybulski said.
“It’s not the end of the world if it doesn’t get done. But that’s the one that’s probably most likely to happen over any sort of major trade.”
He points out there are a few other Canucks that clubs might be interested in. “Brandon Sutter could be somebody that I think teams would be interested in — a veteran centre. Chris Tanev would certainly be a guy that would be appealing for a playoff run. But here’s the problem: They’re hurt — again.”
Cybulski says Canucks fans should look at today’s moves — or lack of moves — as an indication team brass is confident the future is bright for the club.
“I think the idea of Vancouver trying to be buyers at the deadline has changed over the last week or so. When you look at where this team was two weeks ago — Now suddenly they wake up Monday morning on deadline, they’re five points out of a playoff spot … I don’t think you want to give up anything enticing or giving up draft picks because they’re hosting the draft this summer here in Vancouver.”
