Deadline Coming Up - Thoughts?

Gudbranson and Toronto have been linked together in rumours for months now. Toronto has two 2nd rounders in 2018, which might make one of their 2nds/3rds expandable. In addition, Toronto also gives Nielsen - reliable media has reported that his name has popped up in negotiations. Toronto doesn't have space for Nielsen in their current or future top 6, and the extra defensive depth could potentially benefit the Canucks.

The Canucks really need to get rid of Gudbranson, as all Canucks fans know that he's one of the worst puck-moving players, has mobility issues, and is a liability offensively and defensively.

A 1st and a 3rd sounds steep at first, but remember that Martin Hanzal fetched exactly that last year. Also, Rick Nash isn't as good as Vanek, or doesn't have the same numbers whatsoever, yet NYR is looking for a 1st, prospect, and another piece for hi, - and teams are interested in him still. Isn't a 1st rounder then reasonable for Vanek? He'd fit perfectly in Boston's top 9 and add some offence. MDZ is a guy who could help out on the 3rd pairing as well. In addition, Vancouver also takes on Belesky's contract and retains on MDZ - which means they save $1.8M after the season. In today's cap world, that's a big deal - all of which makes giving up a 1st and 3rd extremely worthwhile.

While Vanek has been the best Canuck not named Brock Boeser in terms of goals, Vancouver needs to get assets for its long term future. Vanek could fetch quite a bit, given he's on pace for a 55-60 point season, around 25 of which are goals -pretty impressive on a terrible Vancouver team. Vancouver can afford to take on Belesky's contract, as when it expires in 3 years, Vancouver only then has to give pay raises to some rookies.