- Jason Botchford of the Vancouver Province: The Canucks trading Kevin Bieksa was a no-brainer. The trading of Zack Kassian was needed for both sides. With no apparent interest in re-signing Shawn Matthias last year, the Canucks should have traded him at the last trade deadline for at least a draft pick.They will have some bigger decisions come next trade deadline when they have five players on expiring deals.
Radim Vrbata has a year left on his contract. They had a chance to trade him this offseason. His trade value could decrease this year if he’s not playing with the Sedin’s. They could get a good prospect and a top draft pick for him – possibly a first round pick – at the deadline.
Yannick Weber, Brandon Prust, and Chris Higgins could get them a mid-round pick at the deadline.
Dan Hamhuis could bring the biggest return for the Canucks. Braydon Coburn went for a first and third round pick this past year.
- The Fourth Period: The Maple Leafs are still willing to trade some of their core players. There have been some trade talks with several teams involving Dion Phaneuf, Joffrey Lupul, and Tyler Bozak.The Kings and Leafs had talked about Phaneuf around the draft. Those talks have been dialed down, but the Kings could be a future landing spot for the Leafs captain.
They have had talks with the Blues and Canadiens about Lupul in the past.
The Coyotes had shown interest in Bozak in the past.
James Reimer could be another candidate to be traded. Jonathan Bernier appears to be their number one goalie heading into next season. Contract talks between Bernier’s camp and the Leafs are ongoing.
- Alex Prewitt: Goalie Pheonix Copley was the deal-breaker for the Blues in the trade that sent T.J. Oshie to the Capitals.
