Report: Canucks place a new forward on the trade block

In his latest 31 Thoughts article for Sportsnet, NHL insider Elliotte Friedman shines the spotlight on the injury rattled Vancouver Canucks and drops a juicy trade rumor on the team’s fanbase.

While discussing the future of Canucks blue chip prospect Jake Virtanen, Friedman casually mentions the possibility of the Canucks moving veteran forward Alex Burmistrov.

Check it out:

Whatever it may look like with his ice-time, I left Vancouver last week believing the Canucks have a long-term plan for Jake Virtanen. They see a big, strong, fast guy who can shoot it. Whatever happened before, they don’t want to give up. I do think, however, they will try to find another spot for Alexander Burmistrov.

The 26-year-old Burmistrov was signed by the Canucks this past offseason, but has managed to work his way into only 18 games this season. If traded by the Canucks this season, the former 8th overall draft pick will join his third NHL team in just under a calendar year, having split last season between the Winnipeg Jets and Arizona Coyotes.

Burmistrov has one goal and five points this season and could likely be picked up for the low cost of a 5th or 6th round draft pick. Worth a pick up? 

UPDATE: Canucks insider Rick Dhaliwal has also reported on the rumored trade: