With only 800k available in cap space, and 12 healthy forwards on the lineup, the Vancouver Canucks' management isn't in a position to make the moves needed to help the team win in the playoffs.
However, simply by trading one of their players, the team could find itself with some wiggle room.
For example, the 23-year-old forward Nils Hoglander could be traded by the Canucks to create cap space.
If the team ends up trading him for a draft pick and calls up someone like Arshdeep Bains from the AHL, the Canucks would have a lot more money available to add a player before the trade deadline.
Despite an underwhelming season so far, scoring only five points in 22 games, and his three-year, $3 million AAV contract, Hoglander could generate interest from a few teams on the market.
According to a new report, the New Jersey Devils could be a potential suitor for the forward.
The Devils could use some reinforcements in their bottom six. With Tomas Tatar sidelined with an injury, Hoglander would be a great candidate to fill that void.
In addition to creating a lot of offensive depth, he would add some speed to the lineup, which the team desperately needs.
Last year, the player had a breakout season, scoring 24 goals for the Canucks. There's no doubt that he can do it again. But his current limited role on Vancouver's fourth line won't help him build confidence and momentum to bounce back.
A fresh start could benefit the player and the two teams involved.
He certainly seems to start getting on the wrong side of everyone in Vancouver, including Rick Tocchet:
POLL | ||
DECEMBRE 1 | 123 ANSWERS NHL Reporter Reveals Metropolitan Division Suitor for Canucks Winger Nils Hoglander Do you think Nils Hoglander will be traded by the Vancouver Canucks this season? | ||
Yes | 90 | 73.2 % |
No | 33 | 26.8 % |
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