Could the Vancouver Canucks’ Slow Start Lead to Trades? Latest Rumors
The Vancouver Canucks have faced several challenges at the start of the season, but will these struggles lead to trade activity?
After a strong 109-point performance last season, their third-best in franchise history, the Canucks aimed to build on that success this year. However, as December approaches, they are fighting for a spot in the Western Conference playoff race.
Several factors have contributed to the Canucks’ slow start, including the continued absence of starting goaltender Thatcher Demko, a slow beginning for center Elias Pettersson, Brock Boeser’s concussion in November, and J.T. Miller’s leave of absence since November 19. These issues have fueled trade rumors surrounding the team.
In early November, reports linked the Canucks to Buffalo Sabres defenseman Bowen Byram, but Mike Harrington of The Buffalo News dismissed the rumors, calling them “absurd” and noting that Byram had been promoted to the Sabres’ top defensive pairing alongside Rasmus Dahlin.
Max Miller of The Hockey News recently mentioned that the New York Rangers had explored the possibility of bringing back J.T. Miller, who began his NHL career in New York. According to Arthur Staple of The Athletic, Rangers GM Chris Drury had shown interest in Miller before the 2022 NHL trade deadline. However, Miller’s seven-year, $8 million annual extension makes him too expensive for the Rangers without significant salary cap adjustments.
Miller is a crucial part of the Canucks’ core, which is why he was given that extension. If he were to waive his no-movement clause, his hefty cap hit would still pose a challenge for the Rangers to manage.
Additionally, rumors have surfaced about the Canucks reaching out to the Boston Bruins about acquiring Nikita Zadorov. The rugged defenseman was acquired from the Calgary Flames last November and signed a six-year contract worth $5 million annually with the Bruins in July. However, CHEK-TV’s Rick Dhaliwal reported that the conversation between the Canucks and Bruins was brief and not significant. Zadorov, who has a full no-movement clause, would need to agree to a move. The Canucks had the opportunity to keep him but let him go due to his demand for a long-term deal with a high salary.
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