The Vancouver Canucks are ramping up efforts to address their roster needs ahead of the NHL’s trade deadline with an initial push coming right before the roster freeze kicked off midnight on Thursday.
According to Daily Faceoff’s Frank Seravalli, speaking on Sportsnet’s “Halford and Brough Show” on Wednesday, the Canucks are focusing on pulling off a substantial move, prioritizing landing a top-four defenseman via trade. “I do think that they’ve been pretty active here in the last few days, trying to go after a defenseman to fulfill some of the needs that we’ve talked about all season long,” Seravalli said. “That efficient puck mover.
“I’m not saying it’s going to happen by Thursday, by any stretch of the imagination. Just that talks had picked up on that front. There’s some sense that they might have gotten closer.” While in-season speculation is usually related to low-level moves to bolster depth and address minor issues, Seravalli emphasized that the Canucks are focusing on getting an impactful player.
“I’m told it’s something more substantial that they’re working on,” Seravalli said. “That they’re looking for a top-four defenseman addition. “I think even going back to the end of training camp and the start of this season, that has been by far the number one thing on everyone’s wish list in Vancouver’s front office and coaching staff.”
The Canucks have long identified the need for a defenseman who can efficiently move the puck, particularly given injuries and the evolving demands of their blue line. Vancouver Canucks defenseman Filip Hronek (17) looks for a loose puck. Bob Frid-Imagn Images Bob Frid-Imagn Images According to NHL insider Pierre LeBrun of The Athletic, Vancouver has identified two areas to strengthen before the deadline: winger and top-four center.
“League sources confirm that the Canucks are on the lookout for a top-four defenseman as well as a winger,” LeBrun reported. “And in keeping with Rutherford tradition, I would imagine GM Patrik Allvin would want to make a trade sooner than later and not wait until the March 7 deadline.” For now, the Canucks have navigated their problems reasonably well going 16-10-6 for 38 points and sitting fourth in the Pacific Division but leading the Western Conference’s wild-card race.