Though the Vancouver Canucks are heading towards something of a rebuild, they decided to hold onto an asset when signing Erik Gudbranson to a three-year extension. Gudbranson was a pending unrestricted free agent that likely could have brought back at least a draft pick at the trade deadline, but was deemed too important to lose. A similar situation could be brewing around Thomas Vanek, who is also a pending UFA. Rick Dhaliwal of News 1130 has been told that the Canucks will only move the veteran forward in the right deal, and the chances of a trade could be as low as “50-50”.
GM Jim Benning was clear in his press conference following his own extension that the team would be signing veterans to help develop the younger players in the organization, and Vanek fits the bill if they decide to keep him around. The 34-year old winger has found some good chemistry with Brock Boeser this season, and actually ranks second on the team in scoring. Any extension would again rob the Canucks of future assets, but Vanek’s contributions could outweigh the mid-round pick he would likely bring back (based on last season’s return).
Vanek is earning just $2MM this season and could be acquired by nearly any contender looking to give their powerplay a boost. He was tenuously linked to the Anaheim Ducks, but several teams could benefit from his offensive pedigree.
Lolz! Benning gonna Benning.
First Gudbrandson and now this. I am really glad I moved to Tennessee and that my kids have adopted the Predators. The Canucks (owners, Linden, Benning) are hapless and hopeless. So many of the decisions they make are so overtly stupid. Very few teams can unite hatred between the advanced analytic crowd and the old school club, but everyone of us can agree the Canucks are set up to be mediocre as long as these clowns run the team. Note I did not say BAD – Benning has his virtues as a scout, and there is talent in the pipeline. But I do not see the makings of a Cup-contending team here, barring the outrageous fortune of being able to draft Rasmus Dahlin. It’ll never happen.
Cry cry cry. Canucks don’t need baby fans .
I think this is the Canucks trying to squeeze another pick or a higher pick out of someone, because they could have a handshake deal for 2/5 or whatever and just trade him for the playoff run.