The Vancouver Canucks are once again finding themselves at the center of NHL trade talk. This time, it’s young winger Nils Höglander who’s generating buzz. As the Christmas trade freeze approaches, Elliotte Friedman on his 32 Thoughts column has linked Höglander to the Pittsburgh Penguins, suggesting a possible swap for forward Drew O’Connor.
Canucks Trade Rumors: Analyzing the Nils Höglander Situation
Why This Trade Makes Sense:
On the surface, this deal has the potential to benefit both teams. Höglander, despite his recent struggles in Vancouver, possesses undeniable offensive skill and a tenacity that made him a fan favorite. A change of scenery to Pittsburgh could reignite his development. For the Penguins, adding a player with Höglander’s upside injects some much-needed youth and scoring potential into their lineup.
O’Connor, a bigger-bodied forward, fits the mold that Canucks head coach Rick Tocchet seems to prefer. His size and responsible two-way play could make him a valuable bottom-six contributor in Vancouver.
Why This Trade Might Not Happen:
While the one-for-one swap seems plausible, there are reasons to be skeptical. The Canucks’ biggest need isn’t necessarily at wing; it’s on the right side of their blue line. It’s more likely that Canucks General Manager Patrik Allvin sees Höglander as a valuable trade chip to acquire a top-four defenseman who can add stability and experience.
Furthermore, Höglander’s potential may still be highly valued within the Canucks organization. They might be hesitant to part with him for anything less than a significant return.
My Take:
As someone who has followed Höglander’s career closely, I believe he still has the potential to be a dynamic scorer in the NHL. However, a fresh start could be exactly what he needs. The Penguins, with their strong leadership and offensive system, could be an ideal landing spot.
That being said, I wouldn’t be surprised if the Canucks ultimately decide to hold onto Höglander or use him as a key piece in a larger deal to address their defensive needs. The NHL trade deadline is always full of surprises, and this situation is definitely one to watch.
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My bet is he is part of a bigger trade for Defensive help. I would think they may package him and Juulsson for an upgrade on Right side D.