Monster trade plan in the works in Vancouver after bad break at draft lottery
The Canucks can’t catch a break and may not make bold moves to change things around. More details down below:
The Vancouver Canucks stayed put in this year’s draft lottery after having just a 1.1 per cent chance of moving up, and the same chance of moving down. With no luck whatsoever, they stayed in the 15th overall draft position after the draw, but now some pundits and insiders are wondering if the pick will be used in the massive transaction ahead of the draft, which will take place on June 27 and 28 in Los Angeles, California.
Ben Kuzma of The Province suggests that the Canucks should use their first-round pick in this year’s draft as a trade chip to bring in a proven center. He points out how it is still to be determined if Elias Pettersson is truly a reliable first-line center and keeps wondering if Filip Chytil can remain healthy enough to take on that role.
“Can Pettersson find presence and persistency required of a No. 1 pivot? Can Chytil stay healthy? There are free agency options to augment what’s in place, but is that being prudent? The Canucks maintain they must trade for a centre.”
Kuzma suggested targeting someone like Dylan Larkin of the Red Wings. It’s been well-documented how Larkin has been unhappy with management’s inability to make a significant move at the March trade deadline to improve the club’s playoff chances and could be looking to get out of Detroit.
“A first-round pick, roster player and prime prospect aren’t out of the realm of consideration, if Larkin wants out, and the Canucks get something else back.”
It would remained to be seen if that 15th overall selection would be enough of a likely three-asset offer to get him.
Kuzma also suggest looking at what’s available on the free agent market with, for example, centres like Sam Bennett of the Florida Panthers or Jack Roslovic of the Carolina Hurricanes as options if a trade plan involving their first round pick cannot come together ahead of June 27.
Sportsnet’s Iain MacIntyre recently commented on how the Canucks must shop their 2025 first-rounder for a top-six forward who will help them bounce back next season.
There is definitely a plan coming together in Vancouver.
