Vancouver Canucks Rumors have been swirling all month, initially sparked by reports of a rift between J.T. Miller and Elias Pettersson. However, those rumors seem to have been put to rest by Elliotte Friedman, who reports that any issues have been resolved and neither player is expected to be moved.
Now, the focus has shifted to the Canucks potentially adding a top-four defenseman before the NHL trade deadline.
Vancouver Canucks Looking to Bolster Blue Line
NHL insider David Pagnotta recently stated on TSN radio that the Canucks are actively seeking to improve their defensive core. Even with Filip Hronek’s eventual return from injury, the team recognizes the need for another capable defenseman who can log significant minutes. Despite currently sitting in a Wild Card spot, the Canucks remain optimistic about their chances and believe that adding a top-four defenseman could be the key to a strong postseason push.
This aggressive approach is somewhat surprising given the Canucks’ current position in the standings. However, it speaks to the organization’s belief in the team’s potential and their willingness to make a significant move to improve their chances.
So, who are the Canucks targeting?
Two names have emerged as potential candidates:
- David Savard (Montreal Canadiens): Savard is a veteran, stay-at-home defenseman with Stanley Cup-winning experience. His defensive solidity and leadership would be a valuable addition to the Canucks’ blue line.
- Connor Murphy (Chicago Blackhawks): Murphy is a younger option with a more physical style of play. He’s a right-shot defenseman who can contribute offensively and provide a much-needed edge to the Canucks’ back end.
It’s worth noting that acquiring either player will come at a cost. The Canucks will likely need to part with draft picks and/or prospects to entice either Montreal or Chicago to make a deal.
My Take:
If the Canucks are determined to make a trade, I believe Savard would be the better option. His experience and defensive reliability would provide stability and leadership to the Canucks team.
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