On the Columbus Blue Jackets, Edmonton Oilers and Vancouver Canucks …
Chris Nichols of Today’s Slapshot: Darren Dreger on TSN 1290 on teams moving their first round picks. The Maple Leafs and Jets likely aren’t going to trade their picks, but Dreger thinks it’s a different story for the Blue Jackets, Oilers and Canucks.
“I know that there are aggressive offers being made for the Blue Jackets’ third pick overall. I don’t believe the Blue Jackets are even remotely close to considering moving that pick, but they have to listen, right? That’s a club that’s got some great young players coming through the American Hockey League. They’re developing the right way. But they’re not there yet. And so because of that, they’re just doing due diligence and being responsible and listening. But it would take an unbelievable deal for Jarmo Kekalainen to move the third pick overall.
“Edmonton is more eager to move. They’re not shopping the fourth pick overall, but certainly willing to listen. And obviously they would want a defenseman in return, whoever that might be.
“Vancouver is similar. Vancouver likes fifth overall. They know they’re getting a very, very good player, but Jim Benning did not like being part of the non-playoff picture in the National Hockey League. He’s going to do whatever it takes to make sure that doesn’t happen again.”
On the Vancouver Canucks …
Chris Nichols of Today’s Slapshot: Darren Dreger on TSN 1290 on Canucks GM Jim Benning.
“As I said earlier, no general manager, coach or player enjoys being part of the crop of teams that doesn’t make the playoffs. In Vancouver’s case, it feels like they’re ripe for a full-on renovation, but they haven’t quite embraced that yet, and it doesn’t sound like they’re going to.
“They made an interesting trade involving McCann and Gudbranson. Vancouver is going to be a little bit better, but I think there’s a lot of work to get done there yet before they’re moving closer to the playoffs.”