NHL trade deadline: Could these moves improve the Canucks' odds to win a Cup?
The Vancouver Canucks have already been making roster moves this season, and there will no doubt be more as the NHL trade deadline approaches. But what will that do to their odds at winning the Stanley Cup?
Rick Tocchet's team has the best record in the Western Conference and the league heading into the last few days of February, and any trades over the next couple of weeks will be to ensure they make the deepest playoff run since the Sedin twins played. Yet, surprisingly, DraftKings lists Vancouver six teams back from the favorite at 12-1 odds. (Somehow the Florida Panthers are the new favorite at DK, but that's a whole other story.)
So now, we look to what the Canucks could do at the deadline. Could these potential trade moves ahead of the March 8 deadline improve Vancouver's odds of being league champions this year?
While the Canucks managed to have one of the best records in the NHL, they also allowed the second most goals (39) in the league in February. As such, defense will be a main focus for the front office as the trade deadline approaches.
General manager Patrik Allvin already brought D-man Nikita Zadorov into the fold in a series of trades with the Calgary Flames, but this team clearly needs more blueline help if they want to make a run at the Cup. Canucks Army suggests Vancouver bring back Chris Tanev since a right-handed defenseman would be a more productive fit for them — and because acquiring him would fit into the team's cap constraints.
And since many tradeable right-handed blueliners at this deadline are on playoff-contending teams who won't want to mess with a good lineup, a reunion with Tanev could be a move that shortens Vancouver's Cup odds.
Clutch Points has a different idea in mind for the Canucks, thinking they need to add a big name to their roster instead of "going the safe route" and adding to the D-corps. CP — along with The Score and many others — note that Vancouver has its eye on Jake Guentzel and that the lifetime Pittsburgh Penguin would be a great fit. It does have to be remembered that Guentzel is injured right now and that many other playoff-caliber teams want to acquire him. And heck, Kyle Dubas could throw everyone for a loop and keep him.
However, Guentzel would still be a good addition for the JT Miller-led Canucks offense and, as we said with Tanev, shorten their odds to hoist Lord Stanley's Mug.
There are still plenty of trade rumors to be had before the March 8 deadline, and the Canucks will be tied to many of them given their standing right now. Suffice it to say, it's worth keeping an eye on both Vancouver's roster moves and how they are listed at sportsbooks to win the Stanley Cup. If they make the right moves by March 8, they could be a team worth putting some money on before the Stanley Cup playoffs get underway.
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