It’s time for another round of NHL rumours. We’re nearing Christmas and some general managers are already doing some shopping. They’ve got their wish lists but may have to wait until the new year in order to make their dreams a reality. Injuries have forced some executives in having to fill holes in their respective rosters. Teams are going to have to work the phones in order to bolster their lineups. One team that is having to do some legwork is the Vancouver Canucks. This edition of NHL rumours takes a look at their quest to add to their blueline.
All NHL rumours come from the original source and are subject to change.
NHL Rumours
Vancouver Canucks Look For Defensive Help
Rumour: The Athletic’s Thomas Drance appeared on Sportsnet 590 The Fan to talk about adding a defenceman.
“This club identified… that they needed additional help on the blue line, the (Filip) Hronek injury amps that need up… The idea of acquiring a guy with term – that would be a selling point.”@ThomasDrance on the #Canucks blueline trade plans with @mattymar89 & @futamichael. pic.twitter.com/f6Ww2ESvar
— Sportsnet 590 The FAN (@FAN590) December 4, 2024
Analysis: Vancouver is trying to add to their blueline after the loss of Filip Hronek, who will be out up two months after a lower-body procedure.
Drance said that Canucks general manager Patrik Allvin has identified defence as a need they need to fill. However, the Hronek injury has amplified that need to get a blueliner.
The Athletic writer also added that they want to add a defender who has some term. Drance said that would be a selling point and that Allvin and team president Jim Rutherford are working the phones.
Vancouver does have talent on the backend with Quinn Hughes, but losing Hronek for an extended period does point out a problem with some depth.
What It Means
Drance said that Allvin and Rutherford would have already acquired the desired piece if one was available on the market. However, players of that calibre don’t fall out of the sky and are hard to deal for.
Vancouver has identified that adding a blueliner as a team need pretty early on in the season. However, they haven’t been able to make a deal to gain that valuable piece.
Allvin and the Canucks have previously been working on adding to the blueline with Nikita Zadorov and Carson Soucy. Hronek and Hughes make a good group, but Hronek’s injury leaves a void.
What’s Next?
Drance points out that there are some exciting prospects that could develop into key contributors. He points out there are players in AHL Abbotsford that are giving a good account themselves. There are also players like Sawyer Mynio and Tom Willander who have been playing well.
Vancouver does have hope for the future. However, the team’s current situation seems to be more pressing.
There are a number of teams that are looking for a top-four defenceman and the Canucks are just another team in the mix. There only seems to be four teams that are seemingly set on the defensive end and don’t need blueliner help.
Drance said there are players like Mike Matheson and Marcus Pettersson that could available. However, there are also a bunch of other players who are just depth acquisitions and won’t jump off the page. Vancouver may have to wait until the trade deadline gets closer in order to address this need.
Main photo by: Bob Frid-Imagn Images
