On the Vancouver Canucks …
Ben Kuzma of the Vancouver Province: Canucks defenseman Ben Hutton is changing up his offseason workout to improve his speed and strength. Hutton was a healthy scratch at times during the season and there was a disconnect with head coach Travis Green.
Hutton’s name was in trade speculation, and you’d think he could be asking his agent to find another place to play, but he says he’s never asked for a trade.
“I had lots of conversations with (general manager) Jim Benning and never requested a trade,” Hutton’s representative Andy Scott said Thursday from Ottawa. “But there were lots of serious questions about what they felt. I think it’s sincere and genuine that they have a view of Ben that is still positive and optimistic.”
Hutton has a year left on his two-year, $5.6 million deal.
Jason Botchford of the Vancouver Province: Sven Baertschi was on pace for a 22 goal season before injuries. Baertschi has had problems staying healthy – 190 games in the past three seasons and has never played more than 70.
Inability to remain healthy isn’t why the Canucks should consider trading, it’s that they may have his replacement already – Nikolay Goldobin. Goldobin and Baertschi both produced 1.71 points per 60 minutes at 5v5, with Goldobin having a better shot attempt ratio and a higher percent of scoring chances.
Baertschi is a proven commodity and could interest teams at the draft. The Canucks may have enough depth on the left side to move him now.
Baertschi is also one year away from being an unrestricted free agent and possibly a big new contract.
In an interview earlier this week GM Jim Benning suggest he could try to re-sign Baertschi to a one-year deal. This could allow them to move him at the trade deadline next year.