A Vancouver Canucks trade happened in the middle of their final pre-season game on Friday night.
Vancouver Canucks General Manager Patrik Allvin announced today that defenceman Riley Stillman has been acquired from the Chicago Blackhawks in exchange for forward Jason Dickinson and a second round draft pick (2024).
— Vancouver Canucks (@Canucks) October 8, 2022
Vancouver Canucks Trade Dickinson, Pick
Jason Dickinson was on the way out as a fourth-line forward with the Canucks this year. In 2021-22, Dickinson played 62 games with five goals and 11 total points at centre. He couldn’t quite find his role with a team in turmoil, unfortunately. It wasn’t a bad gamble, but there was no chance to live up to his contract. Given Vancouver’s troubles on their defence, the deal makes sense in terms of assets. Switching a borderline forward for a borderline defenceman puts some more depth where they need it.
Riley Stillman hasn’t been a shining light for the Chicago Blackhawks since he joined the team in 2021 and could use a new start. In 52 games he scored twice and managed 12 total points. He’s a couple years younger than Dickinson and will finish his deal under team control, giving the Canucks a potential asset. He plays the left side, so isn’t exactly what the team needs, but he’s healthy and has 108 career NHL games.
Moving Money Out and Making Room
The Canucks have been trying to make some space under the salary cap and paid for it on Friday. Dickinson was signed to a three-year deal back in 2021 but had a miserable time of it in his first season. With two seasons left on his $2.65 million contract, the Canucks needed to add a 2024 second-round pick, bringing Stillman in return.
Vancouver gains not just the player, but $1.3 million in cap space for each of the next two years. The price is steep, especially for a team that needs draft picks, but that was simply the cost. Cap space has value, and this may be the move that brings Bo Horvat‘s deal to a conclusion. The team shouldn’t be afraid to call Stillman up if needed, but odds are he will start in Abbotsford.
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