Rumor: Could the Canucks get in on trade action?

The Matt Duchene / Kyle Turris blockbuster swap from this past weekend has spun the NHL trade rumor mill into a tizzy. Reporters and analysts have been turning over every rock in an effort to break news on the NHL’s next big trade. The obvious targets like New York Islander superstar John Tavares and Detroit Red Wings defenseman Mike Green have been covered ad nauseum, but NBC Sports’ James O’Brien has uncovered a few more likely names to pop up in advance of this year’s trade deadline. Among them: Vancouver Canucks winger Thomas Vanek.

O’Brien lists Vanek, along with Montreal Canadiens center Tomas Plekanec, “reasonably useful forwards on expiring deals.” While that’s not a ringing endorsement, it still indicates that Vanek has some value on the trade market. The question is, what’s he worth to the Canucks and what’s he worth on the open market?

If the Canucks find themselves in the same position this season as they were last season by the time the trade deadline rolls around, look for GM Jim Benning to listen in on all offers. If the team remains in the playoff hunt though, all bets are off. Still… even if the Canucks continue to push for a playoff berth, you have to think that they’d take the money and run should anyone offer up a high pick or a prospect for Vanek.

Nothing imminent, but this is one worth watching.