On the Vancouver Canucks …
- TSN Radio Vancouver: Prospect Thatcher Demko on not having a contract with the Canucks: “I haven’t even talked to the Canucks about (a contract). Once the season ends, I’ll touch base and we’ll have a discussion”
- Iain MacIntyre of the Vancouver Sun: The Canucks are dropping out of the playoff race and GM Jim Benning should be looking to move some assets at the trade deadline.Already passing through waivers are Chris Higgins, Brandon Prust and Yannick Weber.
Alex Burrows carries a $4.5 million cap hit through next year, but only a $3 million salary, which might appeal to a budget team. He’ll be 35-years old in April and only has seven goals this season.
Defenseman Matt Bartkowski could provide someone with some depth. He carries a $1.75 million cap hit.
Dan Hamhuis and Radim Vrbata are really their only trade assets.
Hamhuis wants to stay and re-sign with the Canucks. Hamhuis has a full no-trade clause.
Vrbata can provide the Canucks with a list of eight teams he’d accept a trade too.
“We’re not putting ourselves in a great spot with these last couple of games,” Hamhuis said late Monday. “Not just losing, but not playing well. If that continues, that’s probably going to put Jim in a spot where he looks at how we can be better in the years to come.
“But I don’t think you can have a fire sale, either, because I don’t think it helps your young players coming down to the stretch to lose every game. I think you still need some good, veteran players to show them the way, on and off the ice.”
Hamhuis isn’t sure yet what he would do if he’s asked to waive his no-trade clause.
“There’s a lot of factors … that could affect our decision,” Hamhuis said. “But right now, we hope to stay.”
Vrbata on his situation.
“I will talk to you in two weeks when we see what happens. I don’t plan on going away; I’m not asking to be traded. I signed here for two years, good or bad. Last year was pretty good. This year, it’s not so good.”