The Vancouver Canucks are looking to add to their defensive core this offseason, specifically a right-handed young defenceman such as Pittsburgh Penguins John Marino.
NHL trade rumors have been circulating that the Penguins will be looking to shed money and Marino is one of the players that the Pens will be looking to trade this offseason.
Elliotte Friedman reported on Sportsnet.ca that the Canucks contacted the Penguins at the NHL trade deadline to see if Marino was available for a trade.
With the Pens needing Marino for a playoff run, they declined to discuss a trade. It is well known that the new regime of GM Ron Hextall and President Brian Burke are not as high on Marino as former GM Jim Rutherford was.
Friedman went on to say that the Canucks will likely revisit a Marino trade this summer.
Marino, 25, was drafted 154th overall by the Edmonton Oilers in the 6th round of the 2015 NHL entry draft. He has five more years on his contract with an AVV of $4.4 million.
Marino has a total 64 points in 189 games played, and 2 playoffs points in 17 games played.