Noble 6

Fair enough if that's your evaluation of Schneider. It could be Lafreniere instead too; that would be a risky but exciting trade.

I think it would be worth it to pay the price and get him here sooner. Barzal is a special talent that has gone unheralded in the NHL due to NYI just like Tavares did in his prime. If we get Barzal at the start of his prime, he has serious 100 point potential playing out West against weaker teams and in a more offensively-minded system with our additional firepower compared to New York. Any of Pettersson, Horvat, Boeser and Podkolzin (eventually) will be better than anyone he's ever played with there.

Looking at this trade, it's clear that we are closer to being in Florida's position rather than Calgary's when it comes to moving Miller. Miller is probably worth slightly less than Huberdeau (less elite skill and points, but he does play center and power-forward game, so tough to judge) and Weegar is an excellent piece to add as well, albeit on an expiring deal. A similar package that the Canucks could offer would be something like Miller, one of Garland or Hoglander (depending on the cap situation of the the other team), plus some future asset(s), including potentially our 2023 1st. That is a serious package, but there are a lot of things to consider in a trade this big: Who would the Canucks target in return? What teams would actually be open to making an aggressive trade like this? What teams could manipulate their cap space enough to make something like this happen? What teams might Miller be willing to re-sign with? These are all significant factors and finding a deal that addresses all of them to our satisfaction is unlikely. There are some teams that have the cap space, but they would not be interested in Miller at all. Some teams may have the pieces that Canucks are looking for, but not the cap flexibility to make a deal of this magnitude. I think what we are realizing is that no team meets all of those criteria, which is why the trade hasn't happened yet. But other teams are making things happen and the clock is ticking. I think there are really only seven teams that might possibly match up with these conditions well enough to make a trade: The Devils, Islanders, Rangers, Hurricanes, Avalanche Leafs and Capitals. The Avalanche, Leafs and Capitals only have futures to offer and would likely only be interested in Miller rather than a larger package. The Hurricanes have Necas as an intriguing young player, but other than that we are looking purely at futures in return along with cap-balancing contracts from all of these teams. The Devils are an interesting possible partner. They don't have much cap space at the moment (8.7M, but re-signing Bratt and Wood will use up all of that room), but they have some contracts that can be included in this trade or moved out separately (Johnsson, Tatar, Severson). While their young defenseman in L. Hughes and Nemec are untouchable, an intriguing player there is Mercer. He's a 20 year old right-handed, sturdy center with speed to burn who put up over 40 points in his rookie year last year. He would be an excellent addition to our top-9 as either our 3C or a winger in the top-6. If we take back Severson as well then we address our RHD and simultaneously balance out the cap in the trade. Sharangovich is another young forward who could be an interesting fit with our forward group. This all hinges on whether the Devils actually want to be this aggressive in improving, which they may not be. Something like Miller + Hoglander + 1st 2023 (top-5 protected) for Mercer + Severson is the best I can come up with. I'm not sure if New Jersey would actually be interested in Miller that much, but after striking out on both Gaudreau and Tkachuk it's clear they want to do something big. The Rangers are also interesting since they have long been rumoured to be interested in Miller. Their cap situation is extremely rigid though, which means making a deal will be tough. We will definitely have to take back at least one contract. They do have some interesting young pieces though, including Lafreniere, Kakko, Schneider, Chytil, Kravtsov, etc. Our ideal targets would be Lafreniere or Schneider, but who knows if that can actually be done. Something like Miller + Hoglander + 2023 1st (top-3 protected) for Schneider + Goodrow is the best I can come up with there. I'm not convinced either team bites on that though. The Islanders are a dream big partner. Offering a massive package for Dobson didn't seem possible until now, but even then there's no guarantee that they actually accept it. They could very well choose to keep their young stud RHD. The real dream though is Barzal requesting a trade and listing Vancouver as one of his preferred destinations since he's from BC. A package similar to the one I outlined in the beginning would check a lot of boxes, but if the Islanders are looking for purely futures then something like Lekkerimakki + Garland/Hoglander + 1st 2023 (top-5 protected) + 2nd 2024 would be a lot to give up, but I think it would be worth it to get someone of Barzal's caliber. Keep in mind, this is all in a dream scenario. The bottom line is, the landscape for a Miller trade is pretty desolate right now. Teams do not have the flexibility to make these kind of moves this offseason and if Huberdeau is available at the deadline then it hurts a potential return for us at the deadline as well. Management has the benefit of the doubt until we see how this all ends.

Good players can be had for dirt cheap if you have the cap space. This does not bode well for a Miller trade.

Quinn Hughes is the best skater on this team.

Based on the Rutherford interview today it sounds like Miller will be with us to start the year. Rutherford said there are two paths here, we either re-sign him or trade him and we will know for sure by the next trade deadline. Letting Miller walk is not an option. Given that he said he views this as Horvat's team moving forward, I would expect a Miller trade to happen next year before the deadline. It will be interesting to see how the Canucks do leading up to the deadline and if the idea changes at all. If the Canucks are comfortably top-3 in the division, do you still trade your 1C for futures? For this offseason, we still have to move out at least one winger. The most likely candidate in my mind is Pearson, who would probably return a mid round pick. Mikheyev - Miller - Garland Hoglander - Pettersson - Podkolzin Kuzmenko - Horvat - Boeser Dickinson - Joshua - Lazar That's a very deep top-9 that is very interchangeable on any given night based on matchups or hot/cold streaks.

Those are not the contracts we should be using as organizational benchmarks, those are the contracts we should be looking to get rid of because too many of them bring down the team.

Love the player, question the contract. Mikheyev is a forechecking monster and an absolute speed demon who is not afraid to get physical. I think he would be a great fit as Pettersson's winger but his utility allows him to play a 3rd line checking role effectively as well. Really, he's the type of player who plays a simple, hard game and really could play anywhere with us. He was used pretty much exclusively on a matchup 3rd line in Toronto this past year and excelled. In the Playoffs he was great, pushing play into Tampa territory and being a nightmare for their defensemen while being responsible defensively. I think Mikheyev is Podkolzin with a higher RPM but less awareness, a great utility player. Mikheyev, Podkolzin and Kuzmenko now represent Russia on the Canucks after Podkolzin was isolated last year. The contract in isolation makes sense considering Mikheyev is coming off of a 21 goal, 32 point season in 53 games (a 32 goal, 49 point pace over 82 games) with 4 points in 7 Playoff games, but the Canucks have to be looking at another move. We already had enough top-9 wingers before this signing, so something has to give. Plus we need a 3C unless the team is running Dickinson in that spot next year, which would not be ideal. If we move out one of Pearson or Dickinson then the cap works out, but with no improvements on defense. The added area of concern is that Mikheyev has consistently had health problems, missing considerable time in two out of his three NHL seasons. We need to see the effect that this contract has on the overall team as a result of the cap.

It feels like Miller is primarily getting interest from the Metropolitan division, which Rutherford knows well from his time in PIT. NYR NYI NJD PIT WSH CAR All teams that have either been strongly rumored to be tied to Miller, would be destinations that Miller would consider re-signing or teams that are a logical fit. Out of those teams, targeting a high value piece like Kakko or Schneider from NYR or securing Marino as a cost-controlled top-4 RHD makes the most sense for the Canucks.

Interesting that Lou apparently feels that the Rangers and Devils are serious contenders to land Miller. Rangers have been linked ever since Rutherford took office and the Devils clearly want to aggressively get better next year.

Fair enough, but I think Panarin is/was a clear tier up from DeBrincat. Let's see how he does playing with Stutzle vs. playing with Kane.

DeBrincat is a very good player and the numbers support that, but I don't think he's the piece that brings Ottawa out of the basement and into Playoff contention. Lot's of time left in the offseason so we'll see what else they do. Like I said, defense and goaltending are their problems right now, not DeBrincat.

Chicago's asking price was insane, I would have laughed in their face. I think DeBrincat has been overrated for a while but especially since the trade rumours; He's a one dimensional goal scorer who rode shotgun with Kane, who I still consider to be a top-3 or top-5 winger in the game. He's a good player who should still put up numbers, but all the people (mainly Senators fans understandably) declaring that Ottawa's rebuild is over are in for a rude awakening in my eyes. DeBrincat isn't a difference maker and their defense and goaltending are still horrendous, we'll see how the rest of the offseason goes for them.

Underlying two of the categories you listed is cap management. I think cap management puts you in a position to acquire or sign good players at opportune times. Benning was trash at managing his cap space, but he recognized after the bubble that these core players are good enough to build around. Now we are going to find out which players JR sees as core players but the list so far is Pettersson, Hughes and Demko.

1) Another elite offensive forward. 2) Core 3C, ideally right handed. 3) At least one more strong top-4 RHD. 4) Overall team grit, size and physicality.

Roy would be a great target for us, but it's not an option to bank on because Vegas and Vancouver are in the same conference. However, Dadanov could get picky with his NTC after that debacle at the deadline and Vancouver might be one of his preferred options. That's probably the only scenario where it might happen. To VGK: McDonough + Ferland + 3rd 2022 To VAN: Dadanov + Roy Sign Roy to something like 4 years, 3M-3.5M. Canucks acquire their core 3C behind Pettersson and Horvat and an effective top-9 forward (and incidentally a Russian for Podkolzin and possibly Kuzmenko). Trade is a little expensive but nothing that the Canucks can't afford to lose, plus they move Ferland's LTIR money so they can actually accrue cap space next year. If we are open to using the offersheet, I'd rather go after Kakko. One year at under 4.2M costs a 2023 2nd, which is a good price for a recent 2nd OA pick who can play with Pettersson here.

Carolina just got exposed for their lack of offensive ability (along with an injured goalie) in the Playoffs. Aho is a great player but he couldn't match Zibanejad up the middle offensively. Trochek is their 2C and a UFA as well. Miller gives them the offensive powerhouse they've been lacking and they treat it as an aggressive move to win the Cup next year. It also addresses their biggest need while also leaving a lot of cap space to bring back their current team (Trochek and DeAngelo are important UFAs). This is invaluable to a contender going all in for next year. Carolina: Necas + Morrow + 2023 1st for Miller (50% retained and with an extension) Necas is a young middle-6 forward who had a great bubble year but has stagnated this year after being pulled away from Aho on the top line in favour of a 19 year old (during the season) in Jarvis. He's an RFA this year but somebody who is a decent player right now who could develop into a better player still. Morrow is a RHD prospect drafted in the 2nd round last year who put up really good NCAA numbers. This trade gives Carolina a 1C for less than 3M who can drive a full team's offense to push them over the top next year and allow them to re-sign important players like Trochek, DeAngelo, etc. Vancouver get's a young forward with potential who can grow with our core, addresses an organizational need by adding a RHD prospect and adds a 1st to what is supposed to be a very good draft.

You should see my Quinn Hughes one

I originally had Poolman going to the Devils as well, forgot to change the write up I guess. Originally it was Klimovich for Luostarinen + Gudas and then Garland + Poolman for 2nd 2022 + 2nd 2023. Essentially the same thing just including a Poolman for Gudas swap, which creates some more space for Florida and gives us some more flexibility moving forward as well as a potential deadline trade piece.

Trade 1 To FLA: Klimovich To VAN: Luostarinen Florida get's a decent but raw prospect they can afford to be patient with. Vancouver get's a young 3rd line forward with speed and skill for cheap. Trade 2 To NJD: Garland To VAN: 2nd 2022 + 2nd 2023 The Devils were linked to Garland when he first became available out of Arizona. They get a top-6 forward with term and a top-6 RHD, which also fills a need. They have the cap space to take both contracts easily. The Canucks free up cap room and space in their top-9 and get out from a contract with term on defense. These moves give us a tremendous amount of flexibility next year. If we do well and make a strong Playoff push, we can use our extra picks (NJD 2nd and NYR 4th) to buy effective depth at the deadline, for example a top-6 defenseman who can PK. If we are not doing well next year, we are in a great position for the deadline as we will have the biggest fish in Miller. Retain 50% on him and get an absolute haul in return from any contender. Schenn would also be a great trade asset at the deadline and would definitely garner interest from contenders as well. Veterans like Pearson and/or Dickinson may draw interest as well. However we do next year, we will be in great position to make it an effective year for the organization. Pearson - Horvat - Miller Kuzmenko - Pettersson - Boeser Podkolzin - Luostarinen - Hoglander Highmore - Lammikko - Lockwood Dickinson Hughes - Schenn Ekman-Larsson - Myers Dermott - Poolman Rathbone, Burroughs Demko Martin

Makar Fox Heiskanen Q. Hughes McAvoy Ekblad Theodore Werenski Dahlin Seider Chabot

This thread is a tire fire *checks username

If Boeser went to market this offseason, I don't think there would be a shortage of teams willing to give him 7.5M on a long term deal. LA, ANA, SEA, CHI, NJD, BUF, DET, OTT, etc. are all teams that have the cap space and are looking to improve. In particular LA, ANA and NJD would be all over him. If you have the cap space to add someone who could potentially score 30+ goals consistently and put them with Byfield, Zegras or J. Hughes long term without giving up any assets, you jump on it. Ideally for the Canucks, Boeser would get somewhere between 6.5M - 7.5M on a long term deal. His qualifying offer says his next deal has to start at 7.5M though, which is the issue. At the end of the day, I think Boeser at 7.65M long term would be better than trying to replace him, but if management disagrees then I don't have much problem with trading him either. However, management better have an idea for replacing him quickly because finding effective players for your top-6 is difficult.

Since Boudreau took over Boeser has 8 goals and 14 points in 18 games, which would be a pace of around 36 goals and 64 points in a full year. Its a small sample size but given that he's been productive for 3/4 years in his career and last year he was fully healthy and lead our team in scoring, its not a crazy to imagine that a 30+ goal pace from Boeser over a full season could be normal. Now imagine those numbers if Pettersson bounced back and looked closer to how he did in the first two years.

In his first two years Boeser scored 29 and 26 goals in 62 and 69 (nice) games respectively. Over full 82 game seasons his pace would put him at 38 and 31 goals respectively. He had a down year the next year in terms of goals but was still a good producer while battling injuries and his bum wrist. Last year was his first ever fully healthy season and he lead our team in scoring and posted his best season since his rookie year in terms of PPG with 0.88. Since Boudreau has taken over, Boeser has 8 goals and 14 points in 18 games. He's only had one Playoff run, but he showed well in it. That's better than having a bad showing in a Playoff run or not having one at all. He deserves some credit for that. I wouldn't say Boeser is elite or worthy of being considered among the top-5 or top-10 best wingers in the league, but I do think he would be harder to replace than most people realize. If we sign him for less than his qualifying offer then great. If Boeser wants >7.5M AND management doesn't feel comfortable with it, then move him.