Report: Canucks trading Sedins?!

Ask Vancouver Canucks legends Henrik and Daniel Sedin if they have any intention of playing for any other NHL team and the answer is clear… thanks, but no thanks. It’s Vancouver or retirement for the identical twin brothers. The pair reiterated their stance early this season in an article with The Players’ Tribune in which they made it clear they’ll never accept a trade.

But in an article for The Athletic released just yesterday, Canucks insider JD Burke suggests that the Sedin’s trade plans could negatively impact the team’s plans for the upcoming trade deadline. 

“We’re not going to hold them to anything now,” said Canucks GM Jim Benning recently. “But for planning purposes, what they might want to do could affect decisions we make at the deadline.”

In another surprising statement, Benning admitted that he hasn't "heard back" from the Sedin camp on their plans. “We contacted their agents last week just to kind of get a feel for where they’re at and what they’re thinking going into the trade deadline so we kind of know at the end of the year what their plan is for next year,” said Benning. “I haven’t heard back yet from J.P. Barry, but when he gets back to me, we’ll have a better understanding as to what the plan is going forward.”

If the Sedins decide to retire, does Benning bring back veteran Thomas Vanek? Also, what does it mean for Erik Gudbranson? And what if they have a sudden change of heart and decide they want to chase a Stanley Cup one last time? Which contender has the assets and cap space available to take on the pair and their combined $14 million in salary?

Benning is reportedly seeking a young, NHL ready player in return for Gudbranson and a 1st or 2nd round pick in return for Vanek. If Henrik and Daniel elect to retire, does this change Benning’s strategy? 

Do they shift gears toward trying to acquire someone to fill that role next season in lieu of a younger, less polished prospect or a pick?

If the Canucks can’t get an answer one way or another from the Sedins before the deadline, could things turn ugly? They’ve afforded themselves the right to take things year by year, but can you blame Benning and Canucks management if they elect to move on themselves? 

So many questions in Vancouver… sit tight for some answers at the NHL’s trade deadline on February 26th.

From Sedin to Kane?

In other Canucks news, Buffalo News reporter and Buffalo Sabres insider John Vogl reports the Canucks could be a destination for pending UFA Evander Kane. If the Sedin twins retire or if the team decides to move on from the Sedin era, they'll have plenty of cap space to sign the mercurial Kane. 

Kane is a Vancouver native and, according to Vogl, he would welcome an opportunity to play in his hometown. Daniel and Henrik out? Vanek and Kane in? Again... interesting times in Vancouver.