@Dave31 @Canucks33 @The_Rocket @JumboJoe
I'll see if I can explain myself adequately here..
When I said expensive project I meant there's still a lot of work to be done on the defensive side of his game for what the team gives up. Offensively he's a wizard and would definitely be an asset to Van seeing as the only RHD prospect they've got is Jett Woo (I'm not sold on Rafferty tbh), but it will be interesting to see defensively/attitude-wise what happens when he hits the AHL and competes against men/former NHLers. If the Canucks give up Virtanen, Demko, and a 2nd, that feels like a lot for a player who isn't a lock to be impactful in the big leagues on all ends of the ice, not to mention a lot to give up without shedding any salary that will inhibit their ability to sign Pettersson and Hughes to long-term contracts.
As for DiPietro, the only issue I see with him is if the team trades away Demko and Markstrom falters in the next 2 or 3 years either through injury or natural regression of skills, then all of a sudden the team rushes DiPietro to the bigs to try and capitalize on the prime ages of the core before he's ready. There have been countless young goalies rushed up and overworked at a young age.
Alternatively, GMJB might instead go to free agency and sign a 35yo career backup to a 7x7 deal for "leadership and playoff experience" and I think that would just push me over the edge.
TLDR; The looming cap hell the Canucks have and the concerns over Merkley's attitude and defensive game makes the risk of the trade too much for Van to take imo.