Top Trade Targets for Vancouver Canucks

The Vancouver Canucks aren’t done shopping yet as they gear up for a serious playoff push with the NHL season resuming Saturday.

Fresh off their latest forward signing on Tuesday, the Canucks have been the league’s most active team in the trade market. But they’re still looking to add more firepower up front.

The team’s also trying to find a new home for defenseman Carson Soucy.

So who might be on their radar? Let’s look at some affordable options that could help Vancouver down the stretch.

Alex Kerfoot from Utah could be an interesting pick-up. The BC native, who’s making $3.5 million this year on an expiring contract, has typically been good for 40-50 points per season. Though he’s having a down year with just 16 points in 56 games, his solid defensive play could make him worth a look.

Plus, being a local boy might give the Canucks an edge in keeping him around longer term.

Then there’s Christian Dvorak in Montreal. Talk about a chance to buy low – the Canadiens paid a fortune for him in 2021 (a first- and second-round pick), but injuries have really held him back. He played just 30 games last season.

While he’s healthy now, Dvorak’s offensive numbers aren’t great – just 17 points in 56 games. But he’s strong on faceoffs and plays good defense. A fresh start might be exactly what he needs.

The most intriguing option might be Lawson Crouse from Utah. He’s a big body who’s scored 20 goals in each of the past three seasons, and he’s locked up for three more years at $4.3 million annually.

His numbers are down this year, which is concerning. But with Utah looking to get younger, they might be willing to move him for the right price.

The Canucks would be betting that this season is just a blip for Crouse, not the start of a decline. It’s risky, but could pay off big if he returns to form.