On the Vancouver Canucks …
Rick Dhaliwal: GM Jim Benning: “Picks and prospects are going to be like gold.”
TSN Radio Vancouver: Canucks GM Jim Benning: “Through free agency this summer, we’ve got to continue to add players to support our younger players to compete hard every night. At the trade deadline coming up, I’ve spoken to lots of GMs and if there’s anything out there that can help us, we’ll look to do that.”
Rick Dhaliwal: Have been told that there is nothing new to report on contract talks between Erik Gudbranson and the Canucks. The sides continue to talk.
Rick Dhaliwal: Asked some agents what they thought a Gudbranson deal could look like if re-signed by the Canucks. Most agents figured a four-year deal at $4.2 million was a fair deal, with some saying that since he’s a pending UFA they would ask for $4.7 million.
On the Edmonton Oilers …
Chris Nichols of FanRag Sports: Elliotte Friedman was on Sporstnet 650 talking about the Edmonton Oilers. Nick Kyreos brought up the idea over the weekend of the Oilers maybe moving Leon Draisaitl. The Oilers are in a situation where every name comes up, aside from Conor McDavid. wouldn’t move Draisaitl.
“I wouldn’t do it. I wouldn’t trade that guy I think 21, 22-year-old centers with that high a ceiling are very hard to find. I think if you look at what we’re seeing in the NHL this decade, Boston is probably the only exception. But Chicago and L.A. and Pittsburgh were built around four or five cornerstone players – maybe six – and a bunch of guys that filled in roles willingly. And that’s where you’re going right now. And I think if you’re trading a guy like Draisaitl, you’re giving up that.”
“Now, if you told me that Edmonton was going to look at a Klefbom or a Larsson to move if it got them something great, I would believe that. I would think that’s possible. But that’s as high as I’m going. I’m not doing – well, it’s insane to even talk about McDavid. But I’m not talking about Draisaitl and I’m giving Talbot a mulligan after last year.”