Key Forwards Could Be on the Move
Though the Vancouver Canucks aren't expected to compete this upcoming season, there's still plenty of lineup decisions to be made.
This is especially true with their forward group, as the possible return of Tanner Pearson to the lineup from a hand injury would render certain players as surplus to requirements and/or cap casualties. A recent article in The Province by journalist Patrick Johnston has further emphasized this.
Spectors Hockey's Lyle Richardson has taken this a step further, giving his thoughts on who could be moved:
The Canucks could end up moving one of those wingers before the start of the season. Boeser and Garland are the most notable and frequently surfaced in trade rumors last season but any talk about moving one of them dried up over the course of this summer. Their respective contracts are difficult to move under a flattened salary cap but both have also indicated their wish to remain in Vancouver. Podkolzin or Hoglander could become the odd man out. They carry more affordable contracts which should make them easier to trade if it comes to that.
Decisions, Decisions
If the Canucks can't keep all of Podkolzin, Boeser, Garland and Höglander regardless of Pearson's health status for the upcoming season, the two most ideal candidates are probably Boeser and Garland, assuming they can find a trade partner who will make the cap situation work.
Both players are signed to deals with at least two years remaining, making an AAV of $6.65 million and $4.95 million respectively, and are both older than Podkolzin and Höglander. Even if salary retention will be necessary, it's very much worth exploring for GM Patrik Alvin.
Which player is the likeliest to be moved by Vancouver before the season?
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