Now that Quinn Hughes is in the rearview mirror for the Vancouver Canucks, the talk has focused on a rebuild. Much of the chatter has focused on tearing things down and starting anew.
But that’s a narrative more in line with pundits than the organization’s vision. That is also the talk emerging from insiders around the league. One such insider, Elliotte Friedman, has gone out on a limb to explain why the Canucks may not be going scorched-earth after all.
During a December 15 appearance on the Donnie and Dhali show, Friedman compared the Canucks’ approach to that of the Calgary Flames. Specifically, Friedman noted that the plan isn’t to make a bunch of short-term fixes. Instead, the idea is to make savvy, long-term decisions.
“I think what’s going on with Vancouver is… I don’t think they’re going to do any short-term fixes… any bad short-term moves. They’re going to let this year play out. They’re going to see what they get, and they’re going to deal with it all again after the season.”
Friedman underscored how a rebuild, however light it may be, would have never been the case with Hughes in the fold. The plan to turn over the roster emerged following the Wild-Canucks trade.
Now, the Canucks can begin turning over their roster in earnest. But the focus here will be to avoid needless and rushed moves.
Canucks Trying to Move Valuable Pieces
Like the Flames, the Canucks are looking to get the most for their valuable pieces. The Flames have two coveted forwards in Blake Coleman and Nazem Kadri. The pair has drawn a lot of attention amid a forward-starved market.
The Canucks are looking to cash in similarly with Kiefer Sherwood and Evander Kane. However, Sherwood and Kane don’t necessarily deliver the same value as Coleman and Kadri. Still, the philosophy there is to maximize the return, focusing on long-term potential.
That’s the onus on the Canucks right now. The team cannot afford to botch any more moves. Yes, they got a substantial haul for Quinn Hughes. But adding the players they did won’t be enough to turn things around.
Vancouver will need to make more moves in order to build a roster that can compete with the Western Conference powerhouses, reigning supreme at the moment.
Vancouver Not Done Dealing This Season
While the next moves in Vancouver may not be around the corner, it’s safe to assume they will come. The Canucks are now firmly on other teams’ radars.
The Canucks have a couple of pieces that, for the right price, could be on the move. But that’s the main issue. Vancouver may have a high asking price for them. That cost could come down at some point. In the team, however, some clubs may balk.
That’s all speculation for now. There haven’t been solid trade rumors coming out of Vancouver. Everyone is still processing the fallout from the Quinn Hughes trade. That situation will likely take the Canucks into the New Year. So, it might be in January when things really pick up.
Canucks Strategy following Hughes Trade Floated by Insider