Vancouver Canucks backed into a corner with major decision regarding their top trade piece
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Vancouver Canucks General Manager Patrik Allvin is facing a big decision with one of the team’s top trade chips leading up to the deadline at Noon PT on March 6th.
While the Canucks have notified teams around the league that all of their pending unrestricted free agents are available, the front office is also considering moving on from players with term remaining on their contract, if they don’t see them as pieces that’ll help the rebuild on a long-term basis.
“We are transitioning into a rebuild here, acquiring younger players through the draft. Obviously, the draft is really important for us. Since Jim and I got [here] three years ago, we’ve definitely always emphasized on getting younger.” Patrik Allvin said last month.
Vancouver Canucks have big decision to make with one of their top trade chips
“Put all that together, and you don’t quite have another Sherwood, but you do have the next best thing. We believe that O’Connor should be able to bring home at least a second-round pick as a return – especially if retained on – and perhaps a little extra on top of that.” Stephan Roget of Canucks Army said recently about the possibility of moving Drew O’Connor.
While making an appearance on Sekeres and Price late last week, NHL insider Harman Dayal said that Drew O’Connor isn’t necessarily a player that fits in well with the timeline of what the Canucks are trying to build and he’s curious if the front office would be able to fetch a second round pick for him before the deadline.
“I’d be open minded to see if a team would pay a 2nd round pick for Drew O’Connor…as much as I like the player, he’s not a fit for this team’s timeline.” Dayal said.
If a team comes calling with an offer of a second round pick, the Vancouver Canucks should accept that right away as it’s probably more than fair for the depth forward who is currently on pace to break his career-high in goals.
So far this season, O’Connor has registered 21 points (13 goals, eight assists), 22 penalty minutes and is a minus-three in 57 games.
Previously on Vancouver Hockey Daily
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Vancouver Canucks backed into a corner with major decision regarding their top trade piece
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