On the Vancouver Canucks …
Rick Dhaliwal: Contract talks between the Vancouver Canucks and Erik Gudbranson are moving in the right direction. Have been told that they are getting close to having a contract extension done.
Bob McKenzie: Adding to Dhaliwal’s tweet … “contract talks between VAN and pending UFA D Erik Gudbranson are ongoing/progressing. Deal not yet done but seems to be headed in that general direction.”
Bob McKenzie: “It will be interesting to see where Gudbranson extension would end up. Most 26-year-old pending UFA D would be looking for a lot of term, 5+ years, but because Gudbranson only played 30 games last year and 41 so far this season, reality is he’ll likely end up with lesser term.”
Bob McKenzie: “Whatever the deal is, has to be enough term and AAV for Gudbranson to want to forgo UFA. He’s making $3.5M now, so will be looking for some type of raise, no doubt. Three years with an AAV that starts with a 4 or thereabouts, give or take a 200K? That would be my best guess.”
Ben Kuzma of The Vancouver Province: Gudbranson’s camp is likely looking for three or four-year deal. If going on a shorter term deal could mean they’re looking for at least $4 million a season.
The Canucks could look to trade defenseman Ben Hutton.
GM Jim Benning maintains he doesn’t want to trade Chris Tanev. He’s currently out with a leg injury, and mounting injuries have lessened his trade value. Tanev has two years left at $4.5 million, and Benning sees him as a mentor for Olli Juolevi.
Rick Dhaliwal: Corey Hirsch on the Canucks goaltending: “Canucks will trade Nilsson if they can. Demko will be given a spot next year on the Canucks, but he won’t be up this year unless there’s a deal. Demko needs to play and ideally playoff games in the AHL.”