Which player are the Vancouver Canucks most likely to trade next?
A lot has happened since the Vancouver Canucks’ infamous memo.
Back on Nov 24, the Canucks reportedly sent a memo to all 31 teams saying that they were open to trading some of their veteran players.
At the time, no one assumed that the first player to be traded would be Quinn Hughes.
Now that one of the biggest trades in Canucks franchise history is in the rear-view mirror, don’t expect Vancouver to be done just yet.
That begs the question, who’s next?
Here are some of the most obvious candidates.
1. Evander Kane
The most likely candidate to be traded boils down to two players, but here’s why Evander Kane is arguably the most likely to go.
There shouldn’t be much question that Kane probably isn’t extending in Vancouver beyond this season. While he’s been better after a putrid start, it’s not like he’s been an impact player for the Canucks.
Also, with the Canucks trading for Liam Öhgren, there’s now another left-winger on the Canucks roster to muddy the mix.
Unlike some of the Canucks’ other trade candidates, figuring out the return for Kane should be relatively straightforward. The Canucks aren’t likely to get much more than the fourth-round pick they gave up to get him, unless they retain some salary in a trade.
While Kane is on the back nine of his career, there should be interest from contending teams. Kane has been productive recently in the postseason during his time with the Edmonton Oilers.
2. Kiefer Sherwood
This trade is much more crucial for the Canucks to figure out compared to the Kane deal, which is why it may take longer to consummate a trade.
Reports suggested that the Canucks are setting a high price for Sherwood, which includes a “good roster player” and a first-round pick.
Ironically, The Athletic’s Mike Russo reported that the Minnesota Wild offered Öhgren for Sherwood straight up, before the Canucks raised their asking price, and subsequently got the young Swedish winger as part of the Hughes trade.
3. Teddy Blueger
The next obvious trade candidates for the Canucks are currently injured, including centre Teddy Blueger.
Two separate injuries this season have limited Bleuger to just two games. His presence was sorely missed on the penalty kill, although the Canucks have been better in that department since signing David Kämpf.
4. Derek Forbort
Much like Blueger, Forbort has played just two games this season. Last we heard about his status, there was no timetable for his return.
Forbort would have to return to the lineup if he’s going to have any trade value. If he does return for an extended stretch, it’s easy enough to envision a contending team acquiring him for a late-round pick. He can provide value in a depth role on defence.
5. Conor Garland
Based on where the Canucks appear to be headed, trading Conor Garland makes sense.
The talented winger turns 30 years old in March. He also has no trade protection until his new, six-year extension kicks in on July 1.
Aside from Sherwood, he’s the most obvious Canucks player to be dealt, considering they should net a decent return for him.
That being said, NHL Insider Chris Johnson reported recently that the Canucks don’t really want to move Garland.
6. David Kämpf
Once Teddy Blueger returns, do the Canucks really need Kämpf?
Even if Blueger and Filip Chytil remain out of the lineup, the Canucks could roll with Elias Pettersson, Marco Rossi, Aatu Räty, and Max Sasson down the middle. The slight bump that Kämpf provides on the penalty kill is relatively meaningless considering where the Canucks are in the standings.
Not to mention, on a rebuilding team, Räty really shouldn’t be sitting as a healthy scratch for multiple games in a row.
The bigger question might be, does Kämpf actually have any trade value?
Based on his cheap contract and his defensive reliability, you could envision a team potentially trading a late-round pick to get him. However, there likely has to be a bottom line offensively, and Kämpf hasn’t provided that yet. He’s pointless in 13 NHL games so far this season.