They do need to control their actual costs and get to the cap floor. So you're thinking is correct.
If they do that deal above, it's a no brainer from the Canucks perspective. Essentially (3) 2nd round picks and Dickinson. Taking a look at their team on paper for next season, they need a boat load of forwards on reasonable contracts. They already have 8 picks in the first 2 rounds for this upcoming draft, so more picks doesn't do much more for them.